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Cornered Magic

(The Void #1)

Charissa Dufour (Goodreads Author)

3.84 · Rating details · 159 ratings · 41 reviews

Sam, a half-fae Void, is ostracized by her own people, much less the humans who control her home—the Illinois Mystical Reservation. Packed into the Reservation with vampires, werewolves, faes, and mages alike, Sam does her best to travel below the radar, but when her only friend asks for her help she can’t say no. Her work to solve a fae’s murder brings her to the forefron ...more

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Kindle Edition, 107 pages

Published November 1st 2015 by Amazon Digital Services

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3.84 ·

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· 159 ratings · 41 reviews

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Oct 17, 2016 Minx -The Genre Minx Book Reviews rated it liked it

Shelves: read-2016-wobble-me-please, read-in-2016

This was a dystopian fantasy where the Fae are not revered and are treated more with disdain than admiration. At the bottom of that heap is Sam as she is a Void. A half-fae who can take the magical properties from another super natural which makes her very unpopular within the supernatural community.

I really enjoyed the story and how we see Sam's plight within her community. It definitely made me mad for her. I did not like how she was treated and I am hoping that her dad gets a dose of his abu ...more

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Nov 06, 2016 Runningrabbit rated it liked it

Shelves: a-stray-lock-of-hair-behind-ear, arse-kicking-action, fae-sidhe, fantasy, i-bit-my-lip, magic, mystery, next-book, police-detectives, rolled-my-eyes

I really enjoyed this and consider that I probably enjoyed book 2 more. The strength of the main character is both credible and finely crafted together with great world building and a good plot.

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May 22, 2017 E.M. Swift-Hook rated it really liked it

Life on a supernatural reservation.

‘While she might forget someone’s face or name, she never forgot their power-flavor.’

Samantha Gollet is a fae who has to live on a reservation with other supernaturals, such as mages, werewolves and vampires. She has a lot of problems, some that any regular teen could relate to like issues with her parents and a rather over-protective boyfriend. But some that come from her supernatural heritage. As a Void - one who steals energy and ability from others - she is Life on a supernatural reservation.

‘While she might forget someone’s face or name, she never forgot their power-flavor.’

Samantha Gollet is a fae who has to live on a reservation with other supernaturals, such as mages, werewolves and vampires. She has a lot of problems, some that any regular teen could relate to like issues with her parents and a rather over-protective boyfriend. But some that come from her supernatural heritage. As a Void - one who steals energy and ability from others - she is shunned even within her own community. Fortunately, she has two good friends, her best friend Amber, who is an empath and Carl who is into computers, which is illegal on the reservation. She has two jobs, one as tour guide to the reservation and the other hand cleaning environmentally friendly diapers. Then one of Amber’s vampire friends, Becky, goes missing and Sam finds her life starts more and more to resemble the contents of those diapers.

‘Though she couldn’t put it into words, she wanted a man, and Chad was still a youth in so many ways.’

This is a really good YA supernatural beings novella with a heroine you can relate to right away and all the usual things you would expect to be in such a story - but given a fresh lift. The writing is usually good and the characters are engaging and realistic enough personalities to keep a reader connecting with them and caring about what happens to them - a lot.

The strengths of this book are in the storyline itself, which unfolds irresistibly drawing the reader in, with strange and intriguing revelations. It proceeds at a cracking pace that carried me in page-turning interest from start to finish. There are hints at more going on than we see, no doubt ready to be explained and exploited into more developed aspects of Sam’s story in future books. I was completely swept along by it.

‘Sam flung a leg out, carefully finding a footing before dragging her other leg out, her hands firmly gripping the windowsill.’

There were two issues for me with the book. First, and most serious was Sam’s utter lack of reaction when she kills for the first time. She is supposed to be a decent person and a decent person would be shocked and probably horrified at killing another, no matter the circumstance. Sam goes through being responsible for two deaths close together and does not even bat an eyelash about it. which made me lose a lot of sympathy with her as a character. Up to that point, the book was close to five stars for me.

Secondly, a more minor irritation, was being thrown out of deep reading immersion by the occasional really oddly phrased sentence, of which there were one or two, and by each and every occurrence of ‘Sam rolled her eyes’ or a near variant. There were ten of those and ten chapters, so it was a frequent experience. Together, these issues knocked a lot of the shine off the book - without them it would be very much better, in my opinion.

But those points aside this is YA supernatural shenanigans close to its best and even though that is not my genre I really enjoyed the story a lot and would not hesitate to recommend it to any whose choice of reading it is - or as a good introduction to the genre for someone wondering what it is all about. ...more

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Nov 29, 2018 Pam Nelson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: _finished-2018, audiobook, paranormal

Audiobook’s that are short usually don’t appeal to me because I think oh the story will be rushed but no I didn’t feel like that with Cornered Magic at all.

We really got a feel for who Sam is and what she is about. We learn of her gift and how she almost fears it, what she has to live with. It isn’t easy to be what she is but she is doing the best that she can.
We get a little mystery going on and it sucks you into the story, I want more. It wasn’t enough but I never felt like the story was lac ...more

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Aug 16, 2017 Kelly Bedford rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed this novella. The descriptions of characters and scenes put you right in the middle of the action, and you really feel for the main character and what she's going through. The ending was abrupt and makes you want to immediately go buy the next in the series. I hope Sam harnesses her power and comes out on top for once. I'm very curious to know more about her world.

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Dec 30, 2018 Geoff Habiger rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

What if there really were fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards in the world? And what if these people were all placed in reservations to keep them away from regular humans? That's the basic setting for Cornered Magic, by Charissa Dufour. Sam is a half-fae who's family avoids her, her father detests her, and the rest of the fae and other supernatural denizens of the Reservation fear her. Why? Because Sam is a Void - a fae who's power is to steal the powers of other fae. Sam wporks hard to contr What if there really were fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards in the world? And what if these people were all placed in reservations to keep them away from regular humans? That's the basic setting for Cornered Magic, by Charissa Dufour. Sam is a half-fae who's family avoids her, her father detests her, and the rest of the fae and other supernatural denizens of the Reservation fear her. Why? Because Sam is a Void - a fae who's power is to steal the powers of other fae. Sam wporks hard to control her power and to keep under the radar, to avoid everybody else as much as she can. But when the enforcer of the vampires seeks her out for a job, Sam wonders what is up. But as she searches for a missing friend and deals with an enigmatic wizard from outside the Reservation Sam is soon drawn into an intricate web of politics and power that will alter her life.

I really enjoyed this book. Charissa has created a unique and interesting world where the fae, supernatural, and magical people are real and know to the world, but are feared and so are placed in highly secure reservations. This is unique world-building, improving on the tired and stale take on the supernatural usually seen in many other urban fantasies. And Sam's magical ability is also a fresh take on magical powers and reminded me very much of the character of Sylar from the TV show Heroes. Sam fears her power because it has ostracized her from her people, and I found this to be a great trait for Sam. It shows that she is a good person at heart, afraid to use her power, because with such an ability Sam could easily be the most dangerous and feared fae in the Reservation. I enjoyed seeing Sam struggle to deal with the demands put upon her and how she must meet these demands while keeping true to herself.

I do have a couple of quibbles with the story. One is that the story is told as a first person POV with Sam being the main character. Charissa does a good job of writing in the first person, and my quibble is just that I would have liked to have known more about the other people in Sam's world, and to know their motivations, fears, and desires. That would have been easier to get across in third person. My second quibble is over the setting of the Reservation. While I love the concept and the idea of a modern reservation for magical people, and Charissa's description and world is unique and fresh, I am left wondering how it came about. How did people so powerful - vampires, werewolves, and wizards specifically - allow themselves to be caged up like animals? I'm sure Charissa knows why, however the reasons and causes are not made clear in the story. I would have liked to have known the why and how this came about.

Cornered Magic is a fun and entertaining story with a strong female lead. I recommend this book for anybody who enjoys urban fantasy, and the unique world that Charissa has created sets this series apart from other, more typical urban fantasies.

I listened the the audio book narrated by Janelle Tedesco. Janelle does a great job of bringing the characters to life and really makes Sam stand out. This is a quick listen, being less than 3 hours in length, and makes for a great diversion. ...more

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Jan 29, 2019 Susan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4review, action-adventure, audiobook, contemporary, fantasy, urban-fantasy

I really like Samantha’s character. She’s fae, but not quite fae enough. On top of that, she’s a rare and usually shunned type of fae, a Void. Her special power allows her to steal energy from others (though she tries hard not to). With few friends and a parent who belittles her every day, Sam treasures her friendship with Amber. Sam also has a boyfriend, Chad, who she doesn’t really click with but so few people hang out with her, that she feels obligated to give Chad a chance.

Then in steps Roma I really like Samantha’s character. She’s fae, but not quite fae enough. On top of that, she’s a rare and usually shunned type of fae, a Void. Her special power allows her to steal energy from others (though she tries hard not to). With few friends and a parent who belittles her every day, Sam treasures her friendship with Amber. Sam also has a boyfriend, Chad, who she doesn’t really click with but so few people hang out with her, that she feels obligated to give Chad a chance.

Then in steps Roman, who makes her tingle in places she didn’t know could tingle. Roman works for some corporation that makes plastic housing (since iron is such a hazard to the fae). He’s got a secret and Sam immediately keys into it. Roman shows definite interest in Sam but she’s not used to such attentions. So there’s potential there for a meaningful romantic involvement in the next book.

Now all this is taking place on the Mystical Reservation in Illinois. Basically, all magical creatures in the US have been rounded up and forced onto reservations. I think this idea has the potential to be a significant part of the plot. However, I worry that there is some cultural insensitivity too. We’ll just have to see how that develops with the series.

There’s a variety of other characters, like Heywood the vampire and Carl who has a gift with technology (even though almost all tech is forbidden on the reservation). There’s mages and empaths (like Amber) too. The murder mystery was solved a little too quick and the initial build up was a little silly. Why wouldn’t Amber and Sam check their friend’s apartment first, before going to the unconcerned authorities? So that could have been a little more tightly written. On the whole, it’s an intriguing start to something that could be really good, or could be mediocre. 3.5/5 stars

I received a free copy of this book. My opinions on it are wholly my own.

The Narration: Janelle Tedesco gave an excellent performance. She had the perfect voice for Sam and distinct voices for each of the characters. Her male voices sounded masculine. I thought her voices for the bullying authorities were especially good. There were no technical issues with the recording of this audiobook. 5/5 stars. ...more

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May 30, 2017 Jennifer G rated it liked it

Cornered Magic is a novella set in a world where paranormals are known and must live trapped in a reservation. The conditions of the res are horrible; crowded and poverty-stricken. There is no privacy and little food. Within this terrible place, Samantha lives a shunned life. She is a Void. Born with no magic of her own she can only steal from others. She tries to control this, and mostly does with considerable difficulty, but she is still hated by most, including her own father. Sam has a boyfr ...more

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Sep 15, 2018 Norman Turrell rated it it was amazing

A believably presented dystopian fantasy world

Charissa builds her world and her characters in a very believable and readable manner in this introductory novella.

Separated from humans, vampires, werewolves, mages and the fae live in a restricted reservation, severely limited in resources and accommodation. On top of this, our protagonist—Sam—has a gift which is shunned by her own people, leaving her isolated, with only a few companions. The intrigue begins when the vampires recruit her because of ...more

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Jan 17, 2019 Bette H rated it it was amazing

Great Story! Great Audible Listen🎧 4.5 Terrific Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cornered Magic
The Void Series, Book 1

By: Charissa Dufour
Narrated by: Janelle Tedesco

This is an imaginative, well written, well told story, a great beginning of a new paranormal/fantasy series. Charisma DuFour creates an interesting world and characters. The storylines are original and grab your attention from the start and holds it to the end, making you wonder what is going to happen next. The character development is great, as is the de ...more

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Sep 23, 2018 T R rated it it was amazing

What starts out with Sam staying in her room because she is a Void and they were a nuisance to the fae community. Fae’s had certain powers and Voids, on the other hand, had nothing but the ability to drain another of their powers. But Sam had a tattoo, and along with a power of the crafter of it, she could control her powers. A gift to her, ostracized her from others. She is also ostracized by humans who are in control of her home—a mystical reservation. Right away I connect with Sam; I feel for ...more

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Dec 06, 2018 Elizabeth Robbins rated it it was amazing

This is the first story I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. Cornered Magic is not your typical urban fantasy, where the strange beings live among us, either in secret, or in the open. Unfortunately, I think Dufour is correct in her portrayal of the human propensity to either cage or destroy anything they fear. If supernatural creatures did ever come out in the open, humans would probably put them in reservations, guarded and oppressed. I found the main character, Sam, likable and ...more

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Dec 01, 2018 Annie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a first for me. from this author.. and it did not disappoint! I loved the idea of this story.. a Blog about dating mishaps.. and the whole lotta frogs title... Very clever! The main character Lennox was a bit annoying with her whole.. Oh you stood me up jilted act.. Even after she received an explanation of why.. but it all turned out ok.. and overall this was a really good listen! Heather does a great job bringing this book too life and I loved the opportunity to listen and review this ...more

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Jan 28, 2019 Jocelyne rated it it was amazing

This was my first Charissa Dufour's book. Cornered Magic is the first book in The Void Series. This novella is a great introduction to this Series. The world building is well described, and intriguing. Sam is a great character, and the other characters are interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the Series. The narration is well done. Janelle Tedsco has a great voice, well paced, and easy to understand. All the characters are easy to distinguish. I received this free review copy audiobook ...more

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Jan 25, 2019 Mandy rated it it was amazing

I asked for this book for free but the review is of my own. Sam is half fairy and half human but the true problem of this in her community is being a void were one can take and even kill another magical creature by taking their powers. Sam tries avoiding using her gift until one day there seems to be no choice and than her life is changed forever. This story definitely leaves you with an open ending and a wild ride.

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Jan 13, 2018 William Howe rated it liked it

Not a book

This is more the first part of a book, establishing characters and motivations but lacking real substance.

Clean prose (no major spelling or grammar errors) and well written dialogue.

Depressing, since it only establishes the main character’s situation.

It’s not bad, it’s just not good.

I will not be following this series. I prefer my novels to contain a full story. Even a novella should have more story than this did.

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Aug 07, 2018 C.A. King rated it really liked it

All supernatural individuals have been corralled into reservations in this paranormal novella. Sam, a local resident, has an unusual gifts - stealing power from others. Living a life in the straight and narrow isn't easy and becomes much more difficult when a vampire walks into her life.

This is one of those reads where you need to get the next book! I look forward to seeing how Sam's saga plays out!

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Sep 01, 2017 Rick Yvanovich rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-book-review, fiction, relaxation

Was not sure if I'd like this book but once I started I found it hard to put down even if it's a genre I'd not usually read. Ok so I was on a plane so maybe that made me be more persistent at the start and then found it hard to put down.

It's an interesting read and I want to read the next book to see how the characters shape up.

Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.

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Jan 20, 2019 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-complete, own

I found this story to be a great introduction to a new series that I will continue. The main character was engaging and well rounded. The details of the world were enough to give you knowledge but not bog down the story. The secondary characters had purpose and added to moving to plot forward. I cannot wait to see what is next for Sam.

(Audiobook-from Audible) I will add that I also enjoyed the narration of this book. The narrators voice and flow fit the character and the dialogue.

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Jan 03, 2019 Amanda Forry-Fino rated it liked it

Cornered Magic wad a GREAT read! Lot's of pl0t twish and trurns that wanting me read more. Sam grew up in a uphappy home being a haft-fae void that set out to help friend in need getting Sam way over her head. I thoght it was neat that mages alike was living together having conflick among each other.

This is my frist book that I've read by Charissa Dufour and I just love her amazing story telling. I can not wait to read what will happen next in The Void Series!!!~

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Jan 21, 2019 Catrina rated it it was amazing

This short really sets the stage for what could be a phenomenal series. The characters and setting are well developed. I really like the setup. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book in The Void Series!

Both the author and narrator are new to me. They make a great team and I look forward to their next releases.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

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Aug 08, 2018 Shannon Risdon rated it really liked it

Not sure

This book looked interesting and it didn't really disappoint. An ostracized girl that does what she can, even at her own expense and it results in more angst and you are not sure on who does what and why...at least in this part. The ending was rather abrupt but certainly leaves you wanting more.

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Aug 05, 2017 Brigitta Moon rated it it was amazing

Loved the ending

My first thought when I started this book was I wasn't going to like it. I was absolutely wrong. Suddenly I couldn't put it down. At 3 a.m. I finished the book and felt compelled to add my 5 stars. I recommend this book to readers looking for a fresh story about vampires, werewolfs and other mystical forms.

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Jul 30, 2017 Maria rated it liked it

Shelves: 2017

Interesting story. I just wished it explained the reason the Res. was started more that because it became illegal to be mystic, and wished the story was longer. But I enjoyed it enough to buy books 2 & 3.

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Feb 16, 2019 Nicoletta rated it did not like it

Abgebrochen

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Dec 04, 2018 Brooke rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

Wow. This books is amazing! The only thing I have to say that is the tiniest negative is that it has a cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next!

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May 29, 2017 Gina-Leigh rated it it was amazing

Great book !!

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Dec 10, 2017 Margit rated it it was amazing

A different world

It is a very interesting book. I read it all at once without a break and I was ready for the next book.

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Feb 17, 2017 Julie Powell rated it it was amazing

An enjoyable start to the Void series, where Sam must deal with her unfortunate gift, which forces her to live a solitary life. She has few friends and a father who hates her, and in addition, is despised by the majority of the fae, who are kept strictly separate from humans.

Some intriguing characters and a plot that has you guessing...where will it all end? What will Sam do? It will be interesting to see how it develops.

Well-written and fast-paced.

Recommended.

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Nov 07, 2016 Llaph | No Frill | No Shill rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle, kindle-freebie, faerie, pnr-uf, vampire, werewolf-shape-shifter, woo-woo, kindle-unlimited

If you are looking for a quick read with an interesting story steeped a bit into the paranormal world that has a dash of fairy to it you might like this book. I wasn't completely enamored with it and could predict somethings a bit too easy, but it was still an enjoyable respite from more serious reads .
It reminded me of The Santeria Habitat series by Kenya Wright:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/7122...
I love that series and wish there were more books in it to be honest. The concept of imprisoni ...more

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About Charissa Dufour

Charissa Dufour

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My journey to become a writer began in 8th grade, when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and pulled from school to recover. During this time, I was left alone for hours on end and it was then that I discovered new friends within the pages of books. I also learned the blessing of creating my own friends by writing down the stories that plagued my lonely mind—as demented as that sounds. ...more