It Happened One Doomsday

Dru Jasper #1

by L. MacNaughton

Can her magic save the world — before his curse destroys it?

Magic is real. Only a handful of natural-born sorcerers can wield its arcane power against demons, foul creatures, and the forces of darkness. These protectors of the powerless are descendants of an elite order. The best magic-users in the world.

Unfortunately, Dru isn’t one of them.

Sure, she’s got a smidge of magical potential. She can use crystals to see enchantments or brew up an occasional potion. And she can research practically anything in the library of dusty leather-bound tomes she keeps stacked in the back of her little store. There, sandwiched between a pawn shop and a 24-hour liquor mart, she sells enough crystals, incense, and magic charms to scrape by. But everything changes the day a handsome mechanic pulls up in a possessed black muscle car, his eyes glowing red.

Just being near Greyson raises Dru’s magical powers to dizzying heights. But he’s been cursed to transform into a demonic creature that could bring about the end of the world.

Then she discovers that the Harbingers, seven fallen sorcerers, want to wipe the planet clean of humans and install themselves as new lords of an unfettered magical realm. And when they unearth the Apocalypse Scroll, the possibility of a fiery cosmic do-over suddenly becomes very real.

There’s only one chance to break Greyson’s curse and save the world from a fiery Doomsday – and it’s about to fall into Dru’s magically inexperienced hands...

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Demons, Romance, Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2016

About the author

L. MacNaughton is an award-winning urban fantasy author whose books have been praised by Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews.

Reviews

[Mogsy (MMOGC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/08/16/...

I knew I was going to have fun with this book, but I ended up liking it even more than I expected. I’ve reached the point in my reading where I already have several go-to authors or series I seek out whenever I want my routine Urban Fantasy fix, so for me to jump into a new UF, something has to be unique or special about it to catch my interest. I’m happy to say that It Happened One Doomsday was just that—fresh, original, and extremely entertaining. It’s not every day you come across a magic system based on crystals, minerals and gems, or a version of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse who herald in the end of the world driving fast classic cars.

Our protagonist is also not your typical sorceress. In fact, by her own admission, Dru Jasper is barely a sorceress at all. She knows her own magical potential is weak, but she tells herself she’s fine with that. Most folks in the magical community aren’t the most stable, anyway. All Dru wants now is to be a “normal” person, to settle down with her “normal” successful dentist boyfriend Nate, and start a “normal” life together with him. In the meantime, she’s happy enough supporting other more talented sorcerers with her store, The Crystal Connection, supplying them with powerful potions and magical crystals. Every once in a while, a regular customer will also come in asking for some relaxation incense or crystal healing.

Then one day, a hunky mechanic named Greyson rolls up to her store in a black muscle car and walks in with complaints of nightmares keeping him awake. Right away, Dru feels a connection with him. Just being near him seems to amplify her powers, so that she can achieve more magical healing with her crystals than she’s ever managed before. However, despite Dru’s best efforts, Greyson’s symptoms don’t seem to be getting any better. Her worst fears are confirmed when horns start sprouting from his head and his eyes start glowing red: Greyson is turning into a demon. Turns out, an order called the Harbingers are bent on bringing about doomsday and for some reason Greyson has been targeted to be one of their Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. To stop the end of the world, Dru and her friends must recover an artifact known as the Apocalypse Scroll, but first they’ll have to survive long enough to find a way to reverse Greyson’s terrible transformation.

I had a wonderful time with this fast-paced and entertaining story. Laurence MacNaughton’s writing is very engaging and readable, and he has a great touch with dialogue, especially when it comes to snappy back-and-forth interplay between characters. However, for this review, I want to focus on what I thought were the book’s main standout features.

To start things off, Dru’s use of crystal magic is something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. The author recently wrote a guest post for The BiblioSanctum which talked about the magic system in It Happened One Doomsday and it is clear he knows a lot about the history and properties of crystals and gems. The main focus of the post was on galena, which Dru uses in the book to fight demons, but there are so many more types of rocks, minerals, and even metals that are featured in this story. Our protagonist’s touch can activate the magical potential in the crystals, which she can then use or channel to so some pretty amazing things. It’s a simple idea, but the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Second, the characters are what makes this book shine. Dru is headstrong and isn’t afraid to step up to do what needs doing, but she’s also far from being the perfect heroine archetype. MacNaughton paints her as something closer to an underdog, someone who doubts her own powers and worth. She’s reluctant to reach for what she really wants, fearing failure and disappointment, so she decides to settle for what she thinks is good enough. Fortunately for Dru, she has good friends who provide her with a daily dose of reality check. Enter Rane, a six-foot-tall Amazonian sorceress who can turn her body into whatever substance she is in contact with, which makes Dru and her extensive inventory of metal and rock jewelry a good ally for her to have. Rane is proof that sometimes you can like a supporting character even more than the main protagonist; I just loved her and her friendship with Dru, and I was happy that she had a big role in this story.

Third, I liked the idea of possessed cars. While I’m not a fan of muscles cars or hot rods, the concept of demons riding them seemed like an apropos, modern-day equivalent of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Greyson’s car, dubbed Hellbringer, was a delight, and much credit goes to MacNaughton for giving an inanimate object such a convincing personality and for making it seem so alive.

The ending ties things up nicely, but also sets the stage for more. Bottom line, even though I’m following way too many urban fantasy series these days, I’ll never say no to entertaining stories and great characters. It Happened One Doomsday definitely sold me, and I know I’ll be waiting on pins and needles until the sequel.

[Karima chermiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating : 4.5 stars

The day has come to wipe the slate clean. Do it over, and do it right. Apokalipso voluta is the key. With it, we Harbingers will remake the world the way it was meant to be.

Magic is real and those who can wield it or manipulate it are called sorcerers, tasked with the mission of protectors against dark forces, demonic or foul creatures. Unfortunately for her, Dru is no true sorcerer. She does not possess the raw power to be one of them but at least she has a little magical potential enough for her to open her own shop where she can create some potions, cast some spells and sell some crystals. She believes that if she can’t be one of the sorcerers, she will make it easy for them to fight against the force of evil. Little did she know that a stranger who goes by the name Greyson will alter the course of her life when he enters her shop complaining about some nightmares filled with Monstrous creatures and apocalyptic happenings asking her to help him at least get a night of peaceful sleep. So can she help him with his predicament or are they both out of their leagues with the nightmares that plague his nights?

Compared to contemporary fiction or fantasy, I don’t read a lot of urban fantasy books about paranormal incidents and supernatural creatures. The genre is not really my thing but that does not mean that I don’t recognize pure goodness when I read one and this book is as good as it gets; Fast paced, unbelievably adventurous, action packed, fun dialogues and sassy likable and strong characters with the right amount of romance, this book is a precious thing. I mean I can probably spoil the whole story and I won’t be able to ruin the book for any future reader because it was pure fun. It happened one doomsday is one of those books that simply remind me why I enjoy reading in the first place; it was such a treat from start to finish.

I’m sure I sound like a broken record right now so I’ll stop talking about how much fun this book was for me and I’ll start talking about all the other reasons that made me love it this much:

The pace of the story:

In most cases, the author needs some chapters to introduce the idea, the characters and the setting of the story and it will take some other chapters after that for the story to take shape and for things to start happening but with it happened one doomsday, it took only one chapter for all of that; we were introduced to our three main characters, Dru ( The female protagonist), Greyson (The male protagonist) and Raine ( Dru’s best friend and one kickass sorcerer).

Dru Jasper had no idea that the world was prophesied to come to a fiery end in six days. All she knew was that she had to ring up enough sales to pay the rent, or her shop, The Crystal Connection, would get evicted from its cramped storefront between the pawnshop and the 24-hour liquor store.

Not only have that but the author kind of inform us from the first paragraph that it is a story about magic and the apocalypse. And after that, the story progresses quickly and there aren’t one dull moment. NADA, Zilch. You’ll think that a story this fast paced will feel poorly executed or sloppy but it never felt this way for me. The story took shape in a natural way and I was really impressed by the journey the characters took. If you think you’ll find one filler chapter where nothing important happens, you’ll be really mistaken. Even when there are no fights or adventures, you’ll find yourself learning a lot of information that are critical to the story but at the same time interesting and fascinating. And by the way, I like how the author did not use those first chapters of the book for dumping information on us boring us to death, on the contrary, he will reveal bits and pieces only when the time is suitable and the plot demands it.

So many adventures, so much action:

Dru wasn’t a big believer in worst-case scenarios. There was always a solution. Always some way out.
Until someone turned into a demon.

This book is not really that long compared to many other books out there so I was really impressed by the author and how he managed to include all those adventures without making the story feel too much all the time. Not to mention that he writes a lot of action scenes and escaping scenes without losing the fun and light aspect of the story. It was all done in such balance that you’ll be tense all the time because of the suspenseful adventurous escapades of the characters but you’ll be happy about the tension.

Usually I don’t like written action scenes because I feel like they were written in a way that confuse and make me lose interest in the story so I’ll be skipping them only to read the outcome at the end. But with this book, I read them all and I was hanging on every word like my life depend it on it.


Fun Dialogues:

I don’t know how the characters find it in themselves to have such funny dialogues when the end of the world is happening but they maybe they can’t help themselves especially when one is trying to embellish for truth and the other is having none of that.

“I don’t care how little they are,” he whispered fiercely, tugging his cap back on. Another couple came in through the doors behind him. With wary glances, they circled around at a safe distance.
Dru tried to project confidence she didn’t feel. “Don’t worry. Everything is going to be okay.”
He shot her a dark look. “There are horns growing from my head. Nothing about this is okay!”

I was giddy every time they start talking to each other because I knew I’m going to be enjoying myself immensely.

Likable characters:

I can stand to dislike some characters if I’ reading a book with a large cast but with it happened doomsday, we only have 6 active characters and two of them are absent 90% of the book so I’m just reading about the remaining four and that’s a tricky situation for me, Because if I don’t like or connect to those four, why am I reading the book in the first place. Fortunately for me, it was no problem at all because Dru, Greyson, Raine and Opal were everything and more.

No one else could understand how badly she wanted to just live a stable life, for once. Because deep down inside, she didn’t feel like she belonged in the weird world of magic. She’d never been a sorceress.
Until now.

I loved Dru so much because she reminded me of one of my best friend for some reason. How she wanted to maintain her identity and have a normal life at the same time was understandable and made me relate to her because it is hard sometimes trying to compromise between the different aspects of your life that can’t easily coexist without inflicting damage. And yet she is hopeful, determined and have a strong personality. She does not crumble under duress and she can handle herself and protect the people she loves while keeping a level head. Who doesn’t want a loyal, strong friend with powerful untapped magical potential? I know I’ll want Dru to be my best friend forever and ever, Amen.

I don’t know if it’s possible to have safety and stability, and also still have magic in your life. But that’s what I want.

The other characters were dear to me as well. Opal felt like the reason of the group while Raine was always down for an adventure no matter the stakes. I loved how refreshing she was, telling it the way she sees it. That girl does not believe in sugarcoating anything. She’s honest, I like that about her. Greyson, Oh boy, he was in the middle of a shitty situation after another. He could not catch his breath with is like in danger and the threat of the apocalypse on his shoulder and those demonic creatures on his tail demanding to join them. I wanted to hide him from all of that and keep him safe. I felt protective about him.

There’s another book out there:

The fact that this is not a standalone book but a series and there’s a sequel already warms my cold dead heart and makes me so excited. I’m hoping I’ll be able to read the sequel soon because the wait, I can’t stand it.

[Lynn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2016/07/10/it...
It Happened One Doomsday is, I think, the first in the start of an urban fantasy series with sorcerers, demons and possessed cars! I must say from the outset that I really enjoyed this, it was a very easy read, I thought the characters developed well along the way, it had plenty of pace and I genuinely hope there will be more books down the line. Basically, this reads like the start of a UF series and it ends on a note that promises more to come – but I genuinely don’t know if more books are planned *raises one eyebrow hopefully in Mr MacNaughton’s direction*?

I don’t want to give too much away so, briefly, this is a book about the end of the world – okay, more a plot to end the world. Seven cunning sorcerers (known here as harbingers) have hatched a plan to wipe the slate clean and start again and the survival of everyone will be in the hands of a barely magical, crystal toting woman who desires a normal life with her dentist boyfriend.

At the start of the story we’re introduced to Dru, a young woman with a smidgeon of magical ability that allows her to energise the natural power within crystals and sell them in her shop. She’s just about eking out a living and making the rent but basically she’s fairly happy and enjoys helping others – even if they’re sceptical about the whole crystal wielding actually helping them at all. That is until a fairly handsome mechanic (known as Greyson), with a demon possession problem, walks into her shop complaining of strange dreams. Of course Dru is determined to help Greyson who has very little idea of just how much trouble he’s really in.

So, what did I like about the book. I think it does a great job of setting up the world in a very easy way. The writing is smooth and the author manages to easily provide information on the characters, the set up and the world being portrayed as the story progresses without resorting to massive info dumps or distracting history lessons. We learn fairly quickly that this is a world with magical possibility but that most people are either ignorant of this fact or simply refuse to believe in the existence of such things. The characters are easy to like. We have the female trinity – Dru, who owns the crystal shop, Opal, her employee who seems more interested in glitzy pumps than sparkly crystals and Rane, Dru’s childhood friend and a sorcerer with the ability to transform herself into other forms, such as wood, metal or rock, simply by touch! We have two annoying boyfriends – one an ‘ex’ and the other a ‘soon to be’ ex. And, of course, we have Greyson – who has a slightly unusual history that is revealed as the story progresses.

The main characters are Dru and Greyson who share a connection that helps both of them in different ways. The only negative aspect to the Dru/Greyson relationship is a case of serious instalove which I think personally felt a little bit rushed although I must add that this is not a romance novel and that aspect of the story is not paid a great deal of attention to. On the positive side both characters come to need each other in different ways as the story develops. Both have a past that they’re in denial about, Dru longs for normality and Greyson has very little understanding about his own family and both have much more potential than has yet been realised. I really liked that the author is letting both character arcs develop at a reasonable pace rather than both of them becoming overnight sensations with phenomenal magical prowess! They both have problems. Greyson is possessed by a demon so is problem is very physical not to mention dangerous. Dru suffers from massive self doubt, which isn’t really a surprise considering she was surrounded by a family with far superior magical talent, and has happily relegated herself to a life without expectation in that area.

Of course, you may have noticed the reference above to possessed cars. Greyson is in fact fixing up an old car when he first makes his appearance at Dru’s shop – a Dodge Charger that he affectionately named ‘Hellbringer’. Remember the film about a car called Christine – well, Hellbringer gives the whole haunted car theme a complete overhaul. Add to this a few other demons and their equally possessed ‘rides’ and as you may imagine there are a few dramatic car chases thrown into the mix.

The world building. Well, this is the modern world in which we live so the world here only needs to be very lightly sketched. Set in Colorado things are pretty much as you would expect – well, up until we take a road trip into the desert, visit a haunted mansion and discover an archway that is actually a portal to the netherworld – all of course heavily glamorised to prevent mere mortals from stumbling upon them – and all of this with a bunch of demons in hot pursuit.

In terms of criticisms. Apart from the instalove, I don’t suppose this is bringing anything particularly eye poppingly new to the urban fantasy genre but that being said I think there’s always room for another urban fantasy providing it’s well done and keeps you entertained – which this does.

I really enjoyed It Happened One Doomsday. It’s an enjoyable read with very easy to like characters, a fast paced plot, lots of action and a healthy injection of wit. Yes, you will have to massively suspend your disbelief – but surely you would have to do so with any urban fantasy? This is a story based on an old prophecy that has been given a modern injection to bring it into the 21st century.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let's get the disclaimer out of the way: I won a free, signed copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Dru Jasper runs a new age shop, The Crystal Connection, in Denver. She sells enough books, incense, and crystals to get by. She has some innate magical ability, but little training. She dreams of marrying her dentist fiancee and settling down to a nice, quiet life. And then Greyson walks into her shop. He’s handsome, wears a leather jacket, and drives a possessed muscle car. Attempting to rid him of a curse, Dru finds her magical abilities supercharged by his presence, and, before she knows it, she finds herself trying to prevent the Apocalypse …

This was lots of fun! I’d even go so far as to call it one of the best paranormal romance series I've ever read (okay, so I technically haven't read the series, just the first book. You know what I mean.) Dru Jasper is an engaging character, as is the entire cast, really--even Hellbringer, the car. The action speeds along and the pages keep turning. I came dangerously close to running overtime on my breaks at work a few times because I was enjoying the book so much. That's rare. The last chapter is basically a teaser for the rest of the series, but rest assured that events in this book do reach a conclusion. You won't feel cheated. Disappointed that it's over, maybe …

I also admire MacNaughton’s taste in music, or last what can be deduced from his chapter headings, at least most of which are song titles. I recognized songs by AC/DC, Cream, INXS, The Who, Fields of the Nephilim, Sisters of Mercy, Ozzy Osborne, the Church, and REM to name a few. Fun! I’m definitely keen to read more in this series. Highly recommended!

[H.A. Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had so much fun reading this summer that I've almost made the 5 Batty Moons rating meaningless. It's not hype, I swear; when I give it, I mean it. But sometimes I read something that makes me wish I had an extra-batty Batty Moon to give to books that were such standouts, that I knew I was going to have to get hold of a paperback for my Keepers collection, HOPEFULLY with a signature from this fantastic author. (And I'm not just saying that because he was born and raised in my home state of Connecticut, either. ;))

My heart belongs to a good urban fantasy, of course, and this particular book is so completely enthralling and so original that I couldn't put it down once I started it. Seriously, I'm exhausted! I can hardly see the keyboard or the screen, but I REALLY wanted to get this out for the author in time for the release date coming up. So if I babble and rave, well... actually, that's not a lot different than every other day, I guess.

Let's list some things in UF that I adore: inanimate objects with a personality. Check. Sassy best friend + bonus Buffy-like chosen kick-ass chick best friend, double-check! Sexy guy in peril with leather jacket? Check. Super fast, scream out loud, grit your teeth, make those little half moon nail marks in your palms action and suspense? Check. And so many other really cool things that I can't tell you, because then you'd be spoiled, and you really need to read this book if you're looking for something new and different and fun in UF.

One of the best things about IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY is the heroine, Dru. In a lot of UF, the heroine is kick-ass (and/or in possession of some cool superpower or paranormal background), self-assured, and if not already sure of her Big-D Destiny, then she starts adjusting to it fast once she understands what it is. The best heroines are the ones who are just sort-of normal people who learn exactly how powerful and important they are (it's a metaphor for all of us learning to find our own power and learning to survive and thrive in the world) when thrown into circumstances that demand extra-normal reaction in order to save themselves, the ones they care about, and ultimately, the day. Dru is exactly that kind of character.

Our heroine owns a little crystal shop in Colorado, she's kind of shy and geeky, and she doesn't think she has a whole lot that makes her stand out. She clings to her boring, starched shirt dentist boyfriend in a desperate attempt to find meaning for herself and her life, and to live the normal existence that her store, her wild friends and customers, and her limited crystal power, deny her. Of course, it doesn't take long to figure out that this boyfriend (Nate... I dated a Nate once... but that's enough about that) is completely wrong for her. He doesn't understand her world--hell, he doesn't believe in it, or her, or care that he doesn't believe in it, or her--he expects Dru to do what she has to in order to fit into his. And for a while, she does.

But you know that can't last. And boy howdy, does any mild hint of normal get blown away FAST and FOR GOOD. The perfect metaphor for the devastation of Dru's dreams of being average? The utter and complete destruction of Nate's white Prius, and the fact that the sexy/dangerous/possibly deadly hero's black muscle car is the one she needs to count on. I don't know if Mr. MacNaughton meant to do that or not, but hey, he should definitely say he did, because it struck me as a very clever parallel.

There's some great writing here, but it never gets in the way of the pure entertainment value of the story. Someone needs to make a movie of this, quick. And Mr. MacNaughton seriously needs to make this a book series, if he isn't planning to already. The characters are awesome, the dialogue is sharp, the humor and sarcasm are abundant, and anyone who misses the wit and electric chemistry between characters (literally) of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you've found the right universe.

There's so much here I wish I could rave about--which doesn't happen often for me without vampires involved--but I CAN'T TELL YOU BECAUSE THEN YOU'D BE SPOILED! Get thee to Amazon, or better, your local brick and mortar store, and get hold of this puppy when it comes out JULY 12. You won't be sorry that you did! I'm now a MacNaughton fangirl!

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. Dru Jasper runs a crystal shop where she helps people solve problems with magic. She has never considered herself a sorceress like her mother, but instead sees herself as a geek who dabbles in magic and longs for normalcy. That's until Greyson walks into her store and into her life. Once they meet, sparks fly, literally and figuratively. Greyson is turning into a demon and has no idea why, not to mention that the previously week he had no idea magic existed. Dru and her friends, Opal and Rane, set out to help Greyson and basically save the world as they learn that he is quickly morphing into one of the 4 horses of the apocalypse.

While I actually feel this is a "light" urban fantasy book, I enjoyed it nonetheless. I have to give MacNaughton credit for his premise of the 4 horses taking earth by storm in the form of demons driving muscle cars. It's such an awesome concept and as the child one a once-upon-a-time drag racer, I probably don't have to say that muscle cars and fast rides excite me. I also really love MacNaughton's characters, especially Dru's best friend Rane. Rane has the ability to morph into whatever geological substance she is in contact with, which definitely helps in the battle against demons. She and Dru have a tenuous relationship at times, but the reader can tell they are really close and always have each other's back. There is sort of a love triangle in this book, and I really just want Dru to wake up and see what a jerk Nate is, but I have a feeling that's a story for a different book.

If you like urban fantasy which is light on the grit, but want to read an interesting new take on the 4 horses of the apocalypse, then you need to pick up this book. It's a whole lot of fun and a promising start to a new series.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, this book is excellent. A great mix of humor, tension, drama and sarcasm. Mr. MacNaughton is an expert wordsmith, weaving together sentences in a way that makes you feel the wind in your hair as it rushes down the alleyway. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes smart literature.

I can't wait for book 2.

[Guy Ohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story! Very well written...exciting twists and turns! Cannot wait to see more of Dru and the gang!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop reading. Incredible story with well developed characters. I can't wait to read what will happen next.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY is without a doubt light, quirky, and entertaining urban fantasy. A quick read, IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY has a heroine more comfortable surrounded by books than doing magic, and a hero (anti-hero?) who drives a muscle car. It is not your typical urban fantasy, and that's one of the things I loved about it!

My one big complaint about IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY was the insta-something between Dru and Greyson. She discovers early on that being near him amplifies her magical powers, and this leads to some soul-searching regarding what she wants out of life (sorry to be vague, I'm trying to avoid any kind of spoilers!).

Dru is amazing. She is perfectly human - she sometimes doubts her abilities, but still powers through and goes for it when necessary. The supporting characters of Rane and Opal are amusing, but their seeming inability to focus on anything but Dru's love life, despite the fact that Dru is in the middle of stopping the literal apocalypse, is annoying, and doesn't show much in terms of facets of their characters. Greyson is interesting, a car mechanic who gets wrapped up in a curse, and not familiar with the magical world. His coming to terms with what is happening to him would almost be funny, if you didn't feel so bad for him.

World-building in IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY was light, with many things unexplained, like who knows about magic? It seems out in the open but some of the characters in the book seem totally clueless. The book was definitely a fast read, and I feel like the plot was the focus, and the world-building suffered as a result.

Despite my complaints, IT HAPPENED ONE DOOMSDAY was some good urban fantasy - full of action and life or death stakes, it sped by at an enjoyable clip. Dru was an excellent protagonist, with a heart of gold and will of steel, she carried a lot of the book on her merits alone. Overall, a different type of urban fantasy than I normally read, but I liked it regardless.

**Note: I can't find any kind of confirmation on the internet that this is a series, but just to warn you, the ending was a little ambiguous.

Sexual content: Kissing

[Richard Knaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened One Doomsday (Dru Jasper, Book 1) Pyr Books July 12, 2017 by https://www.facebook.com/laurence.mac...

I'm starting off this page with a book for which I wrote a blurb a short while back. The first in Laurence McNaughton's modern fantasy series introduces us to Dru Jasper, whose powers revolve around a fairly unique system involving crystals. She's the kind of person who prefers staying low key, which of means that's not going to happen. When a good-looking drifter named Greyson comes into her life seeking answers to odd things going on around him, she makes reasonable assumptions about the cause and what needs to be done.

Unfortunately, it's far worse than she realizes. Turns out thanks to the spellwork some years back by cultists, he's destined to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and bring about the end of the world.

McNaughton weaves together a fast-paced adventure utilizing some intriguing characters and situations. One of my favorite elements is the 'steed' of the future Horseman, the possessed car!

For those interested, the sequel is also available!

To purchase the novel and/or find out more, here are a bunch of handy links!

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Happened-One-Do...

Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/it-ha...

iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/it-h...

Indie Bound
http://www.indiebound.org/book/978163...

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

AUTHOR INFO

Laurence MacNaughton is an urban fantasy and thriller author. His recent books include It Happened One Doomsday and A Kiss Before Doomsday. Find out how you can get a free ebook at www.laurencemacnaughton.com.

Author photo
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Website
https://laurencemacnaughton.com/

Facebook
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https://twitter.com/LMacNaughton

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008YIX5HA

[Mindy McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride! The story has a little something in it for everyone--muscle cars, humor, spells from beyond, otherworldly creatures hellbent on destruction, and just a smidge of romance. Definitely a quick read with lots of action.

My only complaint would be how fast and hard Dru fell for Greyson, but the crazy journey they take afterwards made it totally forgivable. The characters were quirky and enjoyable (Rane was my favorite), and I'm definitely intrigued enough to read sequels. Bring on the sequels!

[Breane Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Loved this. Took a little to get into the book but great story and character growth. Now, the wait for the next one!

[Tiffany Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really liked the book and would recommend it. The beginning was a little hard to get into but the more I read the more I got into it.
The best part of the book was definitely all the action because it kept the metaphorical pages turning. I liked all the characters by the end of the book but took a while to really get Rane's character, but I think that's just the kind of person she is. I also liked that the focus was on the story and not so much on the love between Dru and Greyson. Not that I didn't like Greyson but Hellbringer has my heart.
The book took my emotions on a roller coaster. There are parts that are funny and less serious and others that made me very sad. I can't wait for the next book... yes there will be another and this one ends with you wanting more.

[Steve]

I received this from Edelweiss and Pyr in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 19%, no rating given.

Very fast read, but definitely not my cup of tea. The biggest issue I have with urban fantasy is that they are too heavy on the romance, especially "insta-love". This one is no different, and is filled with the same old stereotypical characters and clichés. Bleh.

And why do the main characters in these types of books always do things the hard way, when an easier way always presents itself? O_o

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Edelweiss
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Full Review Pending*

I guess I am a very different reader from others because I really liked this story. I liked Dru, and Rane, and of course, Greyson. I also liked Hellbringer, and not because it reminded me of the story of Christine, the demon possessed care. This was such an entertaining story, that I plan to read the next installment immediately!

(Publisher) July 12th 2016 by Pyr

[Nissanmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Happened One Doomsday is a quirky little read. It has sort of a campy feel to it. Clearly this is the first in a new series and I will likely read at least the next installment when it comes out. It’s not an outstanding first book, the writing flips between excellent description and repetitive metaphors, but it did get me to suspend my disbelief—which is no small task in contemporary fantasy. I laughed when the main character Dru acknowledged that fact saying, “I can’t expect Nate to understand magic. Hardly anyone believes in it, outside of actual sorcerers.” The author has to make me believe his story is plausible and having been born in Berkeley, California, a store that sells crystals for healing and magical powers is entirely realistic. A simple internet search will yield thousands of hits. I allowed MacNaughton to build in my mind from that set-up.

There isn’t a great deal of character development because it’s so action forward, but MacNaughton did succeed in creating sincere characters, especially Dru. She was entirely genuine and charmingly unaware of her own talents. Dru is also innately charitable, unable to help herself from helping others. It’s a pleasant change in a main character. She shares an unexpected bond with a mechanic, Greyson, who is turning into a demon because of his cursed car. I hope we still like him when the next book comes out. The most badass character, even surrounded by demons, is a woman, Dru’s best friend Rane. She was unwaveringly loyal, but so far one dimensional.

Toss it in your pool bag, it’s a good single afternoon read for the summer.

My Rating: B, Liked It

Read this review and others here: http://twimom227.com/2016/07/review-i...

[Fantasy Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Happened One Doomsday is the first book I’ve read by Laurence MacNaughton. It looks like most of his other work would be classified as supernatural thrillers, although Conspiracy of Angels has a definite urban fantasy vibe. It Happened One Doomsday lands on the border of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, with a brisk plot and characters who are, for the most part, likeable. The story relies on the old biblical story of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and by far my favorite thing in this book are the steeds of the horsemen; instead of riding dragons or generic monsters (or even motorcycles), the four horsemen drive muscle cars.
“A 1969 Dodge Daytona,” he said. When she didn’t reply right away he seemed to mistake her silence for ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best urban fantasy I've read in a long while. It started off slow but then you hit a point where it's non stop action, beautiful world building, stunning descriptions - it's everything you could want in a book. And that cliffhanger ending! I can't wait to read the sequel.

[Tanya Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dru Jasper has only a little bit of magic compared to other sorceresses. Her strength is in crystals and she has the ability to give each crystal a little extra power boost. She uses this ability as she runs her store selling crystals. She's struggling and worried about keeping the store open.

Then one day a gorgeous guy in an amazing black muscle car visits her shop. His reactions to some of her crystals has her believing he is a demon, but really he is so much more. Greyson needs Dru's help to conquer what he thinks are just dreams. Dru knows the truth and sets out to help him defeat the evil that is trying to overtake him.

Dru's life gets turned upside down on this adventure. She has her sidekick friends Rane and Opal, but things on the romantic front seem to be falling apart. But she can't resist trying to help Greyson, especially when it turns out what happens to him will affect the whole world.

It Happened One Doomsday keeps your adrenaline pumping as Dru tries different tactics to help Greyson and prevent Doomsday. She doesn't have much faith in her magic, but the magic seems stronger when she is with Greyson. Or so it seems. She may be coming into powers on her own as well. If her powers get strong enough, she may become a full-fledged sorceress!

The group disturbs the other 3 horsemen and are on the run from them as they try to capture Greyson and bring on Doomsday. Dru tries to keep Greyson from turning while trying to find the scroll with the seals that someone is breaking. The horsemen drive around in evil cars that are as bad news as their driver and we get a really great car chase. I was transfixed as Hellbringer (Greyson's car) tries to outrun the other horsemen and their cars.

I thought that It Happened One Doomsday was a great beginning to a series. We are left with loose strings, and one surprise that has me so excited to start book two! I can't wait to see how Dru grows with her magic. The book is a fast-paced race against time and it will keep you flipping the pages anxiously waiting for the next shoe to drop on the crew.

Excerpt

THE PERFECT RING

Dru Jasper had no idea that the world was prophesied to come to a fiery end in six days. All she knew was that she had to ring up enough sales to pay the rent, or her shop, The Crystal Connection, would get evicted from its cramped storefront between the pawnshop and the 24-hour liquor store.

Worn out from a long day of cataloging rocks and hoping that one of her scarce customers would actually buy something, Dru pulled her brown hair back into a ponytail and carefully cleaned her thick-framed glasses.

The crystals, ancient artifacts, and leather-bound books lining the shelves of her shop all seemed to accumulate dust that had an obnoxious way of clinging to everything. Especially her glasses.

As she misted her lenses, a rumble of thunder rolled down the street. Which was odd because although the sunny Denver afternoon seemed unusually bleak, there was no sign of rain. A moment later, looking out her front windows, she realized it wasn’t thunder at all.

With a snarl of exhaust, an old muscle car pulled up to the curb. Every inch of it glistened black and smooth as volcanic glass, from the sinister point of its long nose to the spoiler wing that rose up in back. The car rolled to a stop behind the old purple Lincoln Town Car belonging to Dru’s sole employee, Opal.

At that moment, Opal got out of her car, a heavyset black woman in an orange-crush-colored knit top and a necklace of polished crystal tiger’s-eye beads big enough to be actual tigers’ eyes. When she stepped up onto the sidewalk in gumdrop-red platform sandals, one of them wobbled, and she accidentally dropped her paper cup of coffee, spilling it everywhere.

Opal paused in the process of picking up her now-empty cup to stare at her car’s back tire. Which was slowly going flat, a nail sticking out of its sidewall.

Inside the shop, Dru winced in sympathy. She came out from behind the counter to help, quickening her pace when she saw the guy get out of his black car and approach Opal. With his thick dark hair, sunglasses, stubble, and black motorcycle jacket, he looked like nothing but trouble.

But much to her surprise, Mr. Motorcycle Jacket actually made Opal smile brightly. He walked back along the length of his long black car, opened up the trunk beneath the tall wing, and brought back a lug wrench and a jack. Without preamble, he got down and proceeded to change Opal’s flat tire.

Through the shop’s scratched front windows, Opal made eye contact with Dru. Her lifted eyebrows and pursed lips clearly expressed that she thought this guy was fabulous.

Then something around the corner, outside of Dru’s line of sight, spooked Opal enough to make her hustle in through the front door of the shop. The bell jingled.

“Is that guy fixing your tire?” Dru asked in disbelief. She hurried to follow Opal toward the back room.

“Yeah, if I was single right now, we’d already be making plans, him and me. But whatever. You can be jealous later. You’ve got bigger prob¬lems.” Opal turned and pointed outside. “Here comes your friend.”

Dru’s customers were mostly furtive sorcerers who shunned atten¬tion. But Rane was impossible to miss in a crowd. Six feet tall, built like a professional athlete, with a high blonde ponytail that bobbed with every stomp of her feet. Even when Rane was in a good mood she looked ready to smash something.

Rane marched straight toward the front door of the shop. And she was obviously not in a good mood.

“Oh, fudge buckets,” Dru whispered. “Quick, hide anything fragile.” Opal rolled her eyes. “Everything in here is fragile. Including me.” In fact, nothing about Opal was fragile. Loud, sarcastic, and voluptuous, maybe. At least voluptuous was the current word she used to describe herself, formerly full-figured, fluffy, and (briefly) goddess. But certainly not fragile.
“She breaks anything?” Opal said. “I’m not the one cleaning it up this time. Thought you should know that.”

Outside, Rane marched past Mr. Motorcycle Jacket, close enough that she nearly made him drop Opal’s newly removed tire. She banged through the door the way she always did, the force threatening to tear off the bell that hung from the wall. It jangled in protest.

“Girl’s got issues. Good luck with all that,” Opal whispered. “And let me know when Mr. Hunky is done with my tire. I want to thank him properly.” She ducked into the back.

Dru took a deep breath and slipped behind the counter again. “Hi, Rane,” she sang out, trying to sound cheerful. And failing.

“Dude. You should totally tighten up that bell before it falls off. You don’t want it beaning some jackwad on the head and getting you a lawsuit.” Rane marched up to the counter and planted both palms on it. “Listen. I’m in big trouble.”

Dru’s smile froze. Rane had the singular ability to stir up trouble anywhere, even where there wasn’t any. And she had a tendency to bring it into the shop with her. “What kind of trouble, exactly?”

“I need a new ring.”

“Come on, Rane, give me a break—”

“Don’t give me any crap, D. I had to try like fifty different rings last time before I found this granite one.”
“It’s flint, actually.”

Rane propped one fist on her hip and shot Dru a dark look. “Seri¬ously? This is flint? Like the sparky rock?”

“Well, yes. Although we, um, we don’t usually call it that.” Dru pointed to the mottled brown-and-gray stone ring. “Flint enhances strength and healing. And it’s been used since prehistoric times to make tools and weapons. Considering how you spend your days, you know, hunting monsters and all, I figured it was apropos.”

“Ugh.” Rane rolled her eyes. “Well, that explains it.”

“‘It’ what?”

Rane planted both palms on the counter again and leaned across it. Dru pulled back in wide-eyed wariness.

“Dude,” Rane said somberly. “I’ve been fighting this infestation of little stinky gremlin types down by the river.”

“Stinky?”

“Some kind of gas they put off. Nasty, slimy little beasties. But when they all jumped on me, and I punched one, super hard, it made sparks. And these guys lit up like the Hindenburg.”

“That must’ve been . . . disturbing.”

“Almost burned my face off. Not cool.” Rane said it in a way that indicated she clearly blamed Dru. “So I need something a little less sparky and a lot more kick-ass.”

“You’re putting out a lot of magical energy when you transform. Probably too much for just one little ring. Out of all those rings we tried, this is the only one that really seemed attuned to you,” Dru said.

“You mean the only one that didn’t blow up in my face?”

And it was the only one that Rane had actually paid for. An impor¬tant line item in Dru’s bookkeeping universe. She folded her hands in front of her and forced a smile. “I’m thinking maybe rings just aren’t your style. How about a nice amulet instead?”

Rane let out a long sigh. She stared deep into Dru’s eyes, as if to let her know what a vast disappointment she was. In her flat monotone, Rane said, “It’s like this. You know my transformation power only works if I’m actually touching something. If I want to turn into rock, I have to be touching rock. If I want to turn into metal, I have to be touching metal.”

“Yes, I know, so—”

“So if I get grabbed up by some gi-normous creature and I’m hanging upside down by my ankle and this amulet is dangling over my head and it’s not touching my skin? I’m totally hosed.” She stared harder. “Get it?”

Dru nodded. “All right. I get it.”

“Don’t hose me, Dru.”

Dru solemnly shook her head. “I would never hose you.”

“Good.” Rane clenched her right fist, the one wearing the flint ring. With a faint stone-grinding sound, patches of her skin took on the mottling of the polished stone ring, growing and merging until Rane’s body had transformed into solid rock.

“You know, one of these days, someone is going to see you do that in public,” Dru said. “You really want to end up on YouTube?”

“Already on there. No one cares. Help me out, Dru,” Rane said, her voice coarse and hollow, as if it echoed up from a deep cave. “Seriously. I don’t know who else to go to. You’re my best friend.”

Two incompatible thoughts competed for Dru’s attention. One, that no one had called her a best friend since grade school. And two, if this was what it was like to be Rane’s friend, what was it like to be her enemy?

Still, Dru couldn’t help but feel just the tiniest bit warm and fuzzy inside. Even if Rane was more than a little scary as a living statue, and probably Dru’s only paying customer today.

“Okay.” Dru smiled. “Let’s get you back into the storage room and see what we can find.”

Rane turned human again with that stone-grinding sound and shot Dru a bright smile. “Thanks, D.” She punched Dru in the shoulder and headed into the back room.

Dru was still rubbing her shoulder when the bell jingled up front. The solidly built guy in the motorcycle jacket pushed his way inside and took off his sunglasses. He had a swagger that some women might find cute. Or so she assumed.

But here in this shop, he looked completely out of place.

“Hi,” she said when he got close enough. “Did you just change Opal’s tire?”

He nodded dismissively, as if it were nothing. Puzzled, he frowned around him at the tall shelves crammed with minerals and crystals, charms, statues, candles, rare herbs, and everything else her supernatural-oriented customers wanted.

“Um, what kind of car is that?” Dru asked, not out of any particular interest, but just to avoid having to explain her shop to someone who was so clearly not a customer.

“A 1969 Dodge Daytona,” he said. When she didn’t reply right away, he seemed to mistake her silence for encouragement. “It’s basically an aerodynamic, Hemi-powered Charger. When it was built, it was so fast NASCAR outlawed it. I restore old cars, especially Mopars. That’s what I do.”

“Hmm.” She nodded, trying to look fascinated.

“Sign outside says ‘The Crystal Connection.’” He looked around again. “What’s with all the other stuff?”

Inwardly, Dru sighed. Anytime someone had to ask, the conversation never went well. “It’s a shop for people who know magic.”

“Card tricks, coins behind your ear, that sort of thing?”

“Not exactly, no.” This was the part that always got awkward with people who wandered in off the street. “Mostly, this is a very specialized store. We help people who have unusual problems that can’t be solved any other way.”

Much to her surprise, he turned and looked directly into her eyes with a warm intensity. “Then maybe you can help me. I’m Greyson, by the way.”

“Oh. Um, Dru.” Trying to mentally reclassify him as a customer caught her off guard. “So, okay. Absolutely. What seems to be bothering you?” She pulled out her notepad and reached for a pen, but she accidentally knocked it across the counter.

Greyson caught it at the same time she reached for it, and when her fingers brushed his, a spark flashed between them, like static electricity, only brighter and shockingly cold.

The jolt of energy made the fluorescent lights above them sizzle and flare. Then a pop echoed from the breaker box in the back room, and all the lights went out, plunging them into deep shadow.

The only light came from Greyson’s eyes, which glowed like red-hot coals as he gazed down at her. “I guess you could say I have an unusual problem.”

This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict

[Jamie (Books and Ladders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and more on Books and Ladders!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

This was good! I’m glad I read it. It’s a little outside my typical genre reads but that was what I liked about it. I’m glad I have the next books to get started on them!

[Rage · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fun read. the main character (Dru) is a low-level magic user (sorceress) who works with crystals. she has an encyclopedic knowledge of magic, and especially the magical properties of different crystals (and how they interact), which was really interesting and innovative. it's clear that the author has a very clear image of how this magic would work and what it would look like. the story moves along quickly, introducing nigh-invincible enemies and continuously escalating the car chases and explosions that temporarily halt their assault.

I didn't feel that the other characters were particularly well-developed. Rane (tall, blonde) is a demon hunter who likes to hit stuff and doesn't care what she breaks. Opal helps Dru in her store, and she's stylish and sassy (I think literally every time she appears, she "totters" around in some new pair of high heels). Greyson is some random dude who looks good without a shirt and has no friends, and also he's turning into a demon.

(also, just the smallest nit-picking, at one point Rane makes it clear that she can only transform into a material she is touching, but later in the story she holds a tire iron, transforms, hands it back, and then presumably remains transformed... although she isn't touching it. did I get the rules wrong? the only reason I noticed this is because I read the book so quickly that the details were fresh. I'm annoying.)

there's a bit of a love triangle between Nate, a dentist who doesn't really believe in Dru's magical world, Dru, and Greyson. naturally, right when Greyson is about to tell Dru his feelings, Nate calls to say that he wants to work things out, so Dru says they can try, even though she's already realized that things will not work out with Nate, and only after this dramatic interruption does service cut out, and of course Greyson shuts down. the end left things pretty open as far as what could happen next.

also, I know this is lame, but I always find it kind of wonky when characters think that they're deeply in love after hanging out for a few days in some intense situation. obviously people don't read books about doomsday to watch characters go grocery shopping together or try to assemble some furniture from IKEA, but when the relationship feels so situational it's kind of hard for me to get invested in the outcome, because I just imagine them five years later hating the way that they floss or clip their toenails or something and having absurd fights.

also, I kept getting vibes that Rane was into Dru, don't know if it was written like that deliberately, kind of want it to happen.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, first I should mention that I received this ARC in return for my honest review. Having gotten that out of the way, let me say that I really liked it! This book was very entertaining, and I definitely want to read more.

That's pretty much my Goodreads rating system right there. I give three stars for a book that was okay, but I would read the next one before giving up on the series. I give four stars for a book that I predict I will want to read all the way to the end of the trilogy, or however many there are. Five stars are reserved for absolute favorites that I could read again and again.

We've got a solid four stars here.

Dru is a very likable character, and her magic is something I haven't really seen before. That's saying a lot, as I read fantasy novels constantly. She shows a lot of growth throughout this first novel.

I was worried that Opal would fall into the black friend stereotype (like Lula, in the Stephanie Plum series, who I love, but there can be only one Lula), but she has her own personality and I want to know more of her back story.

Rane. I love Rane. She's a great incarnation of the no-nonsense super loyal friend. She's more complex than she seems, just the way I like 'em. And Joss Whedon would like her dialogue, I think.
"Don't hose me, Dru."

Greyson is . . . Greyson needs work. Other than being handsome and in need of help, what exactly does he have to offer? If the next book gives me more to love, I'll be happy to give him a chance, but a woman like Dru needs more than a pretty face.

And Hellbringer. Yasssss.

Humor. Nothing brings me back to a series like humor. Plenty of that here. Horse cars of the apocalypse *Snort.*

I liked that the three women already had an established friendship. Those relationships felt 3-dimensional in a way that Dru's romance with Greyson did not.

The author gets points for not once using "impossibly" as an adjective, a lazy literary crutch I've been seeing an awful lot lately.

The only thing I really have a problem with is the romance, and it's really a personal preference for the slow burn. This romance happened a bit fast to be really satisfying.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes an urban fantasy with only a touch of paranormal romance. (Please keep it that way, Mr. MacNaughton.) While it's not quite on par with a series like Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid, it's got room to grow and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic is real, most do not know about it, like most UFs then. But this sure did not feel like most UFs, and I can't explain what made it so. It's so clear in my head, it is not like the UFs you might imagine right now.

Dru is not kick-ass. Mythical past. She does have some magic and she sells crystals. Her boyfriend is a normal guy who knows nothing about magic. She is pretty normal herself.

The world is never them and us. It's our normal world, people do what they normally do.

But yes, then she meets Grayson, who has a demon inside him and the end of the world is coming. But still it is our world, and then they have their adventures.

I have no idea if I managed to explain it from how the "normal" Uf is.

There is a connection between these two, but yes she has a BF, so hmm, about that.

It was different but good. Still I do prefer those kick-ass ones ha.

[Barred Owl Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic is real. A handful of sorcerers wield arcane power against demons and the forces of darkness. These protectors of the powerless are the best magic-users in the world. Unfortunately, Dru isn’t one of them. She’s got magical potential. She uses crystals to see enchantments, and she can research practically anything in the library in the back of her little store, sandwiched between a pawnshop and a 24-hour liquor mart. She sells enough crystals, incense, and magic charms to scrape by.

Everything changes the day a handsome mechanic pulls up in a possessed black muscle car, his eyes glowing red. Just being near Greyson raises Dru’s magical powers to dizzying heights. But he’s been cursed to transform into a demonic creature that could bring about a fiery doomsday. There’s only one chance to break Greyson’s curse—and it’s about to fall into Dru’s inexperienced hands. . . .

[Cianna Sunshine & Mountains Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! First off, the characters are well written, and I love the concept of this store, and an owner who's magical power amplifies crystals and rocks. Fantastic. Crystals are some of my favorite things, so that sold me off the bat, but then the story took me for a ride. The plot kept unfolding and I wasn't able to predict it, which is how I know it's a good story. I really loved Dru and Greyson and their interactions throughout the book. I think if you love a good dash of paranormal, and some adventure type storylines, then you'd enjoy this book. I kept getting caught up in the storyline, and turning pages faster to see what happened next. Don't sleep on this book, because it will hook you. It's a perfectly enjoyable read that won't let you put it down! I'm so ready to start the next one!

[Rusty Dalferes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next ones in the series. It's at various times funny, tense, action-packed, and heart-tugging. It's a fun read without being silly, in the same way that Joss Whedon mixed humor and pathos in Buffy and Angel. I'd give this a hearty recommendation for anyone who likes modern fantasy, apocalyptic stories, and books with strong female characters.

The novel follows Dru Jasper, owner/proprietor of a shop for magical crystals, herbs, and books, who has a seemingly minor magical ability to infuse crystals with a modicum of power, but otherwise considers herself to be on the periphery of the magic community and no true sorceress. While she enjoys being in the magical world, she also thinks she wants some degree of normalcy in her life with her non-magical dentist boyfriend. Into her shop walks Greyson, an auto mechanic who wants to cure his bad dreams, but who may also be possessed by a particularly nasty demon that is one of the bringers of Doomsday. Dru vows to help Greyson, and enlists her friend, Rane, another sorceress with the ability to transform her body into any substance she contacts, and even gets some help from her shop assistant, Opal. Throw in Greyson's demon-possessed car, Hellbringer, and the book becomes not only a modern fantasy, but a buddy road-trip story as well, as the group tries to stop the Apocalypse.

I really liked the main character, Dru. She's goodhearted without being totally naive, a little awkward and nerdy without being a total Screech, and a little unsure of herself without wallowing in self-pity (too much). I was a little worried that too much of her story might be tied up with her need to attach herself to a man in order to be happy, but she shows as a strong character despite this, and the relationship drama doesn't seem to prevent her from being her own person. Greyson's a somewhat quiet but sympathetic character, and is definitely a good counterpoint to Dru's boyfriend, Nate. Rane is strong and brave and funny (and hungry), and Opal is that kind of lazy co-worker/good friend who seems to get all the best lines in sitcoms and movies. The story is fun, with all kinds of tension and action spread regularly throughout the book, and most assuredly sets up later books with the ending of this one. The bad guys are properly nefarious and scary, and their origins appropriately mysterious, further foreshadowing revelations to come later in the series. It's got an interesting system of magic, especially Dru's use of crystals, mixed in with some familiar apocalyptic and magical mythology, so it's both familiar and novel.

The book is well-written, apart from a couple of minor grammar issues that weren't too distracting, so I can't complain about the edit. It flowed smoothly enough that I didn't want to put it down, and the pacing and banter of the characters was enjoyable.

All said, I really liked this book, and I strongly recommend it.

Thanks to Pyr (and my Book Fairy) for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dru is a young woman who runs a New Age shop. She can use crystals to see enchantments, and she can brew the occasional potion. Dru does well enough to not get evicted.

Things get very interesting when a very handsome man, with unnaturally red eyes, and driving a possessed, black muscle car, enters her shop. The man, named Grayson, has been having bad dreams where he has turned into a demon. Along with three other demons, they are about to destroy the whole world. Grayson also has little nubs growing on his forehead; the beginning of actual horns.

Dru realizes that Grayson is not just turning into your average demon. He is turning into one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The other three Horsemen, looking like creatures right out of an H.P. Lovecraft story, are looking for their "colleague." Dru's crystals can slow, but not stop, Grayson's transformation. The only choice is for Grayson to fully become one of the Horsemen, and hope that Dru can find some way to not kill him.

A group of seven fallen sorcerers called the Harbingers want to rule a new magical realm where humanity is out of the way, permanently. An ancient scroll called the Apocalypse Scroll has been unearthed. It has seven seals on it; four seals have been broken, for the Four Horsemen. If all seven seals are broken, very bad things will happen to humanity. Along with her friend Rane, who has a very unique ability, can Dru save the world? Can she rescue Grayson, which whom she has fallen in love?

This is a really good story. It has first-rate writing, good characters and plenty of action. The reader will learn a lot about crystals, and will not go wrong with this novel.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollicking adventure! This was such a fun story, full of humor, action and witty dialogue. I absolutely loved the three main ladies in this book. They are the driving force behind the success of this novel- their friendship, witty banter and solid determination despite the fact Doomsday is bearing down on them. Urban fantasy isn't normally my cup of tea, but I have found that UF that is written with a heavy dose of humor is more likely to be alright with me. When I first discovered this book my first thought was that it sounded much like a Christopher Moore novel. After reading, I can say it will appeal to people who do like his writing, but I don't think MacNaughton takes his books to the extreme that Moore does- which I liked. Yes, it is Doomsday and the four Horsemen of the apocalypse have convened, but it doesn't go over the top. There is plenty of humor and the characters are self aware. I'm glad Rane mentioned Christine because I could not stop thinking the exact same thing! Also, can I just say how unique the idea for this novel is? The crystal magic is something I've never seen before. I'm hoping Dru will get to practice a lot more in the next book and discover her true potential. Rane and Opal are also integral- I just love these girls so much. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series! Definitely a keeper, and a book I plan to share with my sisters and a friend who loves UF and Christopher Moore.

I received this book free on a goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion. A special thank you to the author, Laurence MacNaughton, who not only made sure a copy got sent to me after finding out I had never received mine, but who very generously sent me a personal copy of his own with a signed message.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argh! Cliffhanger! This book was an excellent read. Fast-paced and full of action. Enough world building that you understood what was going on and not too much that might bog the story down. I can't wait to read more about Dru and the gang!