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Twisted Luck #4
Inherited Luck: Twisted Luck, Book 4
Magical house, insane killer, and life-altering decisions - being an adult sucks.
I did I've graduated, and there's no more pressure. And I've got a house - me, a house! Road-trip time for Jo, Sable, and I up to Albany, New York. The house both is and isn't what I expected. Beautiful - yes. Locked rooms with mysterious stuff - yes. But it also seems alive, which isn't possible. This isn't a movie, houses aren't alive.
But before I get to finish exploring the house, the draft office has decided I need another trial run, and of course Agent Steven Alixant is their errand boy. Before I get a chance to figure out anything - there are some odd things about that house - I'm dragged off to New York City to help catch a serial killer. Which makes no sense. A bachelor's degree doesn't make me Sherlock Holmes. Things are going well, I guess. Is it a good thing to figure out clues about a serial killer's identity?
But when I get a phone call that something has happened to Jo and Sable is when things get dangerous. I'm going to have to make a bunch of decisions, and I hope I can save Jo and Sable, even if it ends up costing me my life. When your luck is as twisted as mine, nothing is ever straightforward.
A found-family, non-romantic urban fantasy with a smattering of magical beasties.
I did I've graduated, and there's no more pressure. And I've got a house - me, a house! Road-trip time for Jo, Sable, and I up to Albany, New York. The house both is and isn't what I expected. Beautiful - yes. Locked rooms with mysterious stuff - yes. But it also seems alive, which isn't possible. This isn't a movie, houses aren't alive.
But before I get to finish exploring the house, the draft office has decided I need another trial run, and of course Agent Steven Alixant is their errand boy. Before I get a chance to figure out anything - there are some odd things about that house - I'm dragged off to New York City to help catch a serial killer. Which makes no sense. A bachelor's degree doesn't make me Sherlock Holmes. Things are going well, I guess. Is it a good thing to figure out clues about a serial killer's identity?
But when I get a phone call that something has happened to Jo and Sable is when things get dangerous. I'm going to have to make a bunch of decisions, and I hope I can save Jo and Sable, even if it ends up costing me my life. When your luck is as twisted as mine, nothing is ever straightforward.
A found-family, non-romantic urban fantasy with a smattering of magical beasties.
Audible Audio
First published April 16, 2021
190 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
76 books158 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 3, 2021
Read this series! I love this series that brings in new rules to magic, isn't filled w/your typical idea of love & romance, and asks you quite subtly to look at our own lives for areas that are not up to snuff be it personally or collectively.
I even started the Kaylids series after I got over my pout of not being able to immediatly throw myself back into the world of Cori. Four books are not enough.
I laughed out loud when I met Bob. My own Bob was right beside me & I had to share.
I was tense as Earth & the other realm's rules were not matching. I was wondering @ ramifications that would most likely occur, holding my breath to see if all the girls & Carelian could escape relatively unscathed.
I am an avid reader. 5 stars are not lightly given. This book deserved it. My kindle was packed in my purse just "in case" I had any time for a quick read as I had to go out in public and fulfill responsibilities of my own 😉
My reading friends already had been told w/each new book to get and read this series. I nudged them once again to hurry up... I want to gush & discuss.
I wish I could implore the author to cease & desist from all but her life sustaining activities to produce the next book(s). Alas, I know she herself will need to enjoy life, pamper her cats and refuel. I am but sure I am much to selfish to have passed any selfishness tests myself. ~sigh~
I shall endeavor to find new tales to pass my time as I eagerly await more to come by Mel Todd.
I even started the Kaylids series after I got over my pout of not being able to immediatly throw myself back into the world of Cori. Four books are not enough.
I laughed out loud when I met Bob. My own Bob was right beside me & I had to share.
I was tense as Earth & the other realm's rules were not matching. I was wondering @ ramifications that would most likely occur, holding my breath to see if all the girls & Carelian could escape relatively unscathed.
I am an avid reader. 5 stars are not lightly given. This book deserved it. My kindle was packed in my purse just "in case" I had any time for a quick read as I had to go out in public and fulfill responsibilities of my own 😉
My reading friends already had been told w/each new book to get and read this series. I nudged them once again to hurry up... I want to gush & discuss.
I wish I could implore the author to cease & desist from all but her life sustaining activities to produce the next book(s). Alas, I know she herself will need to enjoy life, pamper her cats and refuel. I am but sure I am much to selfish to have passed any selfishness tests myself. ~sigh~
I shall endeavor to find new tales to pass my time as I eagerly await more to come by Mel Todd.
May 16, 2021
Inherited Luck
Wish there was more to this series! Loved it, really drew me in! It made me feel, think, and dream! Thanks for the stories!
Wish there was more to this series! Loved it, really drew me in! It made me feel, think, and dream! Thanks for the stories!
May 13, 2021
Great book 4
So I am guessing this wraps up the series. Oh well, all things end. I would have been interested in seeing how Cori handled grad school, being rich, and being a Herald
So I am guessing this wraps up the series. Oh well, all things end. I would have been interested in seeing how Cori handled grad school, being rich, and being a Herald
May 10, 2021
Am
This book was very riveting and made so much better by not having the star character splitting her time with a romance and her main storyline. Great
This book was very riveting and made so much better by not having the star character splitting her time with a romance and her main storyline. Great
April 19, 2021
Best Book yet!
I’m not sure if Mel Todd has a fan club or not , but if she does I want to be a member! This was absolutely the best book of the series. Kudos to Ms Todd. It’s a n amazing book that tells a complete story but leaves much to anticipate in the future. (FYI I have a serious hate for the “cliffhanger”ending). My butt is numb because once I started this book I didn’t move until it was finished.
FYI - I don’t write traditional reviews I tend to veer off into what I took from the book rather than a summary so there are no spoilers here or plot summaries.
It is a unique take on magic and urban fantasy and even more unique in that it has no romance in it. It does however have a tremendous amount of love. We so often let Romance consume our thoughts of love that we forget that the love we have for our family and friends is equally strong and valid. This reminds me that I would cheerfully kill for my sister or my brothers lives. The importance of those relationships in our lives is something that today’s society has forgotten and I cherish this reminder of just how much love I have in my life. Thank you for reminding me of that Ms Todd.
I’m not sure if Mel Todd has a fan club or not , but if she does I want to be a member! This was absolutely the best book of the series. Kudos to Ms Todd. It’s a n amazing book that tells a complete story but leaves much to anticipate in the future. (FYI I have a serious hate for the “cliffhanger”ending). My butt is numb because once I started this book I didn’t move until it was finished.
FYI - I don’t write traditional reviews I tend to veer off into what I took from the book rather than a summary so there are no spoilers here or plot summaries.
It is a unique take on magic and urban fantasy and even more unique in that it has no romance in it. It does however have a tremendous amount of love. We so often let Romance consume our thoughts of love that we forget that the love we have for our family and friends is equally strong and valid. This reminds me that I would cheerfully kill for my sister or my brothers lives. The importance of those relationships in our lives is something that today’s society has forgotten and I cherish this reminder of just how much love I have in my life. Thank you for reminding me of that Ms Todd.
April 19, 2021
Can't wait for book five!
Another lovely installment from Mel Todd. I have enjoyed this series as well as the Kaylid world. I will be picking up the next book the moment it is available.
My only negative critique of this book is in the details. Another reviewer mentioned spelling errors which I can't say that I noticed, but I noticed very little when the story flows well and I am swept up in its journey. However if there are things that disrupt that lovely flow, I get very distracted. For me the explaining the death of Cori's twin three or four times in the first half of the book was like running into a dam on that lovely river. It almost felt like Ms Todd couldn't decide which spot to summarize the back story, and so had the full thing in several places, and just forgot to edit them out. And just for future reference 10cm ≈ 4in ≠ tiny.
So five stars for a wonderful romp into our world, but just with magic. Keep the parallels going please! I love the cultural and literary references with the magic twist. Like the headline said, I can't wait for more!
Another lovely installment from Mel Todd. I have enjoyed this series as well as the Kaylid world. I will be picking up the next book the moment it is available.
My only negative critique of this book is in the details. Another reviewer mentioned spelling errors which I can't say that I noticed, but I noticed very little when the story flows well and I am swept up in its journey. However if there are things that disrupt that lovely flow, I get very distracted. For me the explaining the death of Cori's twin three or four times in the first half of the book was like running into a dam on that lovely river. It almost felt like Ms Todd couldn't decide which spot to summarize the back story, and so had the full thing in several places, and just forgot to edit them out. And just for future reference 10cm ≈ 4in ≠ tiny.
So five stars for a wonderful romp into our world, but just with magic. Keep the parallels going please! I love the cultural and literary references with the magic twist. Like the headline said, I can't wait for more!
April 18, 2021
Great Series
I loved each of the characters! I truly enjoyed this series. I appreciated the fact that this series did not have a love interest for Cori as so many stories focus on a sexual or all encompassing relationship - how it is important to the main character in order to survive and function. This series focuses on the import aspects of life family and friends. I am looking forward reading more by Mel Todd! Thank you for adding to my life through your stories and your imagination.
I loved each of the characters! I truly enjoyed this series. I appreciated the fact that this series did not have a love interest for Cori as so many stories focus on a sexual or all encompassing relationship - how it is important to the main character in order to survive and function. This series focuses on the import aspects of life family and friends. I am looking forward reading more by Mel Todd! Thank you for adding to my life through your stories and your imagination.
May 1, 2021
Another adventure
This is definitely turning into a favorite series. I love the characters, the world building, everything. It’s a fantastically entertaining ride.
This is definitely turning into a favorite series. I love the characters, the world building, everything. It’s a fantastically entertaining ride.
April 21, 2021
A fine addition to the series
I love this series. The magic system is unique and interesting, and I especially enjoy how magic is closely tied to science. Plenty of surprises and visits from the demi-gods of the magical realms.
I hesitate to say more, because I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to mention how much I love Cori, the protagonist. She is absolutely believable and interesting with her mix of strengths and weaknesses.
I love this series. The magic system is unique and interesting, and I especially enjoy how magic is closely tied to science. Plenty of surprises and visits from the demi-gods of the magical realms.
I hesitate to say more, because I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to mention how much I love Cori, the protagonist. She is absolutely believable and interesting with her mix of strengths and weaknesses.
April 30, 2021
Loved the way it was written
Hard to put down. First book took me a little to get into but once I did I was hooked big-time
I was so disappointed that this series is over. I would have happily kept reading this series for another 4 books.
Hard to put down. First book took me a little to get into but once I did I was hooked big-time
I was so disappointed that this series is over. I would have happily kept reading this series for another 4 books.
April 30, 2021
Riveting Urban Fantasy!
Anyone who enjoys fast paced urban fantasy with kickass heroines will love this series. Can’t wait until the next book drops.
Anyone who enjoys fast paced urban fantasy with kickass heroines will love this series. Can’t wait until the next book drops.
April 16, 2021
Friends are family
There are lessons to be learned in this book. If you are not true to your friends, then the friendship dies. Keep this in mind throughout your life. Excellent book.
There are lessons to be learned in this book. If you are not true to your friends, then the friendship dies. Keep this in mind throughout your life. Excellent book.
April 18, 2021
I love this series
I've only recently discovered this series & so have been fortunate to be able to read them all back to back - I don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the next book when this one has only just been published!
I've only recently discovered this series & so have been fortunate to be able to read them all back to back - I don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the next book when this one has only just been published!
April 17, 2021
Merlins balls, it brilliant
Still loving this series, still want to see where the story will take us. Please, please, please hurry with the next book. Can’t recommend the series enough
Still loving this series, still want to see where the story will take us. Please, please, please hurry with the next book. Can’t recommend the series enough
April 16, 2021
Wow
This series just gets better and better. Cannot wait for the next book. Love the main characters. Love the pace of the book. Each book is uniquely different. Highly reccomended.
This series just gets better and better. Cannot wait for the next book. Love the main characters. Love the pace of the book. Each book is uniquely different. Highly reccomended.
April 17, 2021
Wow
Can’t wait for the next book. Mel Todd always gives a great read but this series has an extra punch. Just WOW
Can’t wait for the next book. Mel Todd always gives a great read but this series has an extra punch. Just WOW
April 18, 2021
One of the best series out there.
I read a lot; probably 6+ books a week and this is one of the best series I have read in a very long time. No same ole same ole here. Enjoy!
I read a lot; probably 6+ books a week and this is one of the best series I have read in a very long time. No same ole same ole here. Enjoy!
April 19, 2021
Wow!
Wlow!! This book was great. Cori is growing, questions are answered, more questions are raised. I Love the series. Thanks Mel
Wlow!! This book was great. Cori is growing, questions are answered, more questions are raised. I Love the series. Thanks Mel
April 21, 2021
Slow but AWESOME
5 stars for this book, but also for the 3 books before it. Looking forward to anymore that are to come.
5 stars for this book, but also for the 3 books before it. Looking forward to anymore that are to come.
April 23, 2021
This series has to be one of my favourite ones ever. How have I never found it before is insane. I LOVE IT!
April 27, 2021
Great story
Really enjoying this series. It has a great story line with strong characters that are growing and learning as they go.
Really enjoying this series. It has a great story line with strong characters that are growing and learning as they go.
April 27, 2021
Inherited Luck
That was a very good and amazing book. I think Mel Todd has a wonderful imagination. I wonder what heaven is going to look like. Kit Ryan
That was a very good and amazing book. I think Mel Todd has a wonderful imagination. I wonder what heaven is going to look like. Kit Ryan
August 28, 2022
5 Remember People Taste Crunchy With Ketchup Stars
Inherited Luck is the fourth book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
The tests were all so inventive, and evocative. Wrath made me disgusted mostly, with the man and his disregard for choice, and the villagers with their frustrating level of ignorance. Made me supremely glad I wasn't born in a time when people were that misinformed. Avarice was so frustrating in what she had to pass up. The opportunities to save so many, and effect real change on a global level just brought deep sadness. Arrogance was a surprise. This trial led to discovering an answer so many of this world's denizens have asked.
That Cori is now the Herald of Magic, and has ties to both Tirsane and Sal opens up so many possibilities for her future. All of the debts she owes to families during her final trial are concerning. I wonder what they will request? What these gods of the Realms will ask of her, and what their plans are for her future?
Most concerning is that asshat having so much power within an organization that affects the entirety of the Mage portion of civilization. That there's still so much disparity between non-mages believing magicals are put on a pedestal, and the way in which all those with magic are constrained and treated unfairly. I hope Cori can shift her world in a better direction.
The house! That there is a dryad that is the entirety of the house is so fascinating. I should have expected this, it makes an odd amount of sense when one looks back on the obvious. But this outcome came out of nowhere for me. I wonder what this will mean for the future, and what all this dryad is capable of?
I'm a little hurt someone already created a Chaos God named Bob 😟
Inherited Luck is the fourth book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
The tests were all so inventive, and evocative. Wrath made me disgusted mostly, with the man and his disregard for choice, and the villagers with their frustrating level of ignorance. Made me supremely glad I wasn't born in a time when people were that misinformed. Avarice was so frustrating in what she had to pass up. The opportunities to save so many, and effect real change on a global level just brought deep sadness. Arrogance was a surprise. This trial led to discovering an answer so many of this world's denizens have asked.
That Cori is now the Herald of Magic, and has ties to both Tirsane and Sal opens up so many possibilities for her future. All of the debts she owes to families during her final trial are concerning. I wonder what they will request? What these gods of the Realms will ask of her, and what their plans are for her future?
Most concerning is that asshat having so much power within an organization that affects the entirety of the Mage portion of civilization. That there's still so much disparity between non-mages believing magicals are put on a pedestal, and the way in which all those with magic are constrained and treated unfairly. I hope Cori can shift her world in a better direction.
The house! That there is a dryad that is the entirety of the house is so fascinating. I should have expected this, it makes an odd amount of sense when one looks back on the obvious. But this outcome came out of nowhere for me. I wonder what this will mean for the future, and what all this dryad is capable of?
I'm a little hurt someone already created a Chaos God named Bob 😟
March 31, 2022
This mostly applies from book 3-5 (and I don't think the author intended this) but the racism and ableism is *a lot.* I try to give indie authors some slack as they don't have the same resources as traditionally published authors do but how has no one mentioned that a vast number of the antagonists are part of marginalised groups (PoC and neurodivergent). I was so happy to see ace representation and the importance of found family and unique bonds but all of the calling Japan xenophobic, and saying that an autistic antagonist doesn't see their victims as people but rather art supplies, does an incredible amount of harm and doesn't add anything to the story.
The explaining disability to beings from other realms as people being broken is really gross. I understand what the intent here is, but it is still really unnecessary and I guarantee you that people (like myself) who are well aware that we would be killed for our disabilities if that was more normalised, are going to be hurt by this.
The explaining disability to beings from other realms as people being broken is really gross. I understand what the intent here is, but it is still really unnecessary and I guarantee you that people (like myself) who are well aware that we would be killed for our disabilities if that was more normalised, are going to be hurt by this.
April 15, 2023
2023 bk 125. She made it through college in less than half the time others would have taken, but in enough time to claim her inheritance! Cory, Jo, and Sable head north to see the home left to her by a Merlin before she is picked up in the draft. When Steve shows up - it isn't good news. The powers that be want to test her and send Steve and she in search of a serial killer. Cory quickly learns that she isn't a fan of NYC. After putting the pieces together with the help of an artist, the murderer is captured just as the inheritance kicks in. Leaving the police station by sidestepping sets off all sorts of alarms for the OM and the government, but Cory is too invested in trying to save the lives of her partners. Will the house win the game or Cory? And how much trouble can one double merlin get into when all she wants is to be left alone.
April 17, 2021
Loved the story!!
It's not often a story without romance can intrest me but this story takes hold and doesn't let go. I hope Corie will grow in the romance department at some point but it would only be a side item
It's not often a story without romance can intrest me but this story takes hold and doesn't let go. I hope Corie will grow in the romance department at some point but it would only be a side item
April 21, 2021
Solid
This is strong urban fantasy writing, though without the eroticism normally found. A young “merlin” just starting to get a handle on power, and learning how to *be* powerful. A quite important lesson.
The murder-mystery is a subplot used to move the character, but it is also quite well done.
This series is on my ‘pre-order’ list. It started in such an interesting place and has grown in directions I couldn’t imagine.
This is strong urban fantasy writing, though without the eroticism normally found. A young “merlin” just starting to get a handle on power, and learning how to *be* powerful. A quite important lesson.
The murder-mystery is a subplot used to move the character, but it is also quite well done.
This series is on my ‘pre-order’ list. It started in such an interesting place and has grown in directions I couldn’t imagine.
June 15, 2021
Good book
Good book liked it going to get the first one now to catch up. Hope the rest at as good as this one.
Good book liked it going to get the first one now to catch up. Hope the rest at as good as this one.
June 10, 2021
Get this series!
This series had me reading like a maniac. Anywhere, any time I had two minutes I was reading. I can"t wait for more. Very well written, with fleshed out characters and startling plot twists. More please!
This series had me reading like a maniac. Anywhere, any time I had two minutes I was reading. I can"t wait for more. Very well written, with fleshed out characters and startling plot twists. More please!
June 5, 2021
Brilliant read
Absolutely loved these books, kept me in the edge of my seat. When I was not reading, found myself wondering what happens. Totally hooked
Absolutely loved these books, kept me in the edge of my seat. When I was not reading, found myself wondering what happens. Totally hooked
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews