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In Graves Below

(Magic, New Mexico World)

Carol Van Natta (Goodreads Author)

4.22 · Rating details · 130 ratings · 23 reviews

Riya Sanobal, a mostly-human rarity in her magical family, hides her heritage and magical talent for doors in favor of her dance career. A rich arts patron likes her work, and a visiting star likes her, but she's distracted by vivid dreams of a sexy, Native American warrior who defeats cheating demons and kisses like, well, a dream.

Time is running out for disabled vetera ...more

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Kindle Edition, 144 pages

Published May 3rd 2016 by Kindle Worlds

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Jan 14, 2019 Lola rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-that-i-own, coyer-winter-2018-2019, e-books-on-kobo, e-books-on-ipad, got-a-copy-for-review-reviewed

I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

After two 3 star reads and a DNF book I was afraid I was going to tumble into one of a reading slumps. I couldn't figure out which book I wanted to read, until I scrolled past this one. It was exactly the type of book I was in the mood for and picking up a book by a favorite author is always a good idea. I love the way Carol Van Natta crafts her stories and how realistic and relatable the main characters are.

As this I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

After two 3 star reads and a DNF book I was afraid I was going to tumble into one of a reading slumps. I couldn't figure out which book I wanted to read, until I scrolled past this one. It was exactly the type of book I was in the mood for and picking up a book by a favorite author is always a good idea. I love the way Carol Van Natta crafts her stories and how realistic and relatable the main characters are.

As this book was exactly the right type of story I was in the mood for I feel like I enjoyed it even more than I usually would have, which was great. In Graves Below follows the story of Riya and Idrián, after a chance encounter in the dreamwalk Idrián is determined to find her again in the real world as she's his dreampartner. Once they meet in real life they have the same instant connection as in the dreamworld, but there's no time to get to know each other slowly as a demon is trying to wreak havoc in the human world and Riya and Idrián are the only ones who can stop them.

Just like all of Carol Van Natta's main character I immediately took a liking to both Riya and Idrián. Riya is a dancer and composer. She's open minded and creative and I liked her. She has some minor, but awesome, door magic. She has some struggles at the company she currently works at. Idrián is a veteran who lost his lower leg in a bomb accident in Afghanistan and has burn wounds all over his face. He is the sole heir of his family's ranch and has to find his dreampartner and train new dreamwarriors to keep everything his ancestors build intact. He has some earth magic, can dreamwalk and see the spirits of his ancestors.

And together these two are awesome. They have this instant chemistry, but also take time to get to know each other and spend time together before they move things further. While the romance is pretty fast paced, I liked that they only have sex till later in the book and that their connection and love for each other was clear. I loved how Riya only saw the man and not the scars and wounds Idrián had. I enjoyed reading about these two and how they fight the demon(s). There is also some cool dance magic and the dreamwalk thing was pretty interesting too. And some of Idrián's ancestors who stop by in their spirit form and offer sometimes unwelcome advice.

At first I was afraid I would feel like I was missing pieces as I haven't read any other books in the Magic, New Mexico world created by SE Smith. But In Graves Below can perfectly be read as a standalone. I never felt like I was missing anything and I wasn't even able to tell whether any of the side characters we met have their own story or are just side characters. The world building was explained well enough like what I would expect from a first book in a series, enough to follow the story, but leaves me curious to discover more.

I liked the world building and it has a bit of a similar feel to Carol Van Natta's Ice Age Shifter's series. There is a magical town called Magic, but Idrián actually lives outside it's borders, so we only get to see a bit of it. It's clear there is a variety of magic types and creatures out there, but the book only focuses on the magic the main characters have and a bit about the people they meet. Which worked well and also makes me curious to learn more about this world, so I might check out more books set in this world.

To summarize: I really enjoyed In Graves Below. Riya and Idrián felt realistic and believable as main character and they both had their own struggles. They were awesome together and I liked how they had this instant connection, but still took some time to get to know each other before jumping in bed together. I really could feel the love and connection between these two. I liked how Riya didn't even see Idrián's scars and only saw the man he was and never thought less of him because of it. While part of the Magic, new Mexico world this story can easily be read as a standalone and I never felt like I was missing anything. It did make me curious to see more of this world. The world building was done well and focused on the parts and magic related to the main characters. It was a great read and I liked spending time with these characters. ...more

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May 05, 2016 Lee rated it really liked it

Riya Sanobal, a door mage, barista, and modern dance choreographer, dreams of a lovely man with eagle feet who fights demons. She’s a little confused when Idrian Odair, the warrior from her dreams, shows up at her practice space and says he’s been looking for her. Idrian is the last dreamwalker of his people and is searching for his dreamwalk partner because his grandfather’s ghost is constantly heckling him about it. There’s a prophecy involving her, and a potential demon influx. Can the two of Riya Sanobal, a door mage, barista, and modern dance choreographer, dreams of a lovely man with eagle feet who fights demons. She’s a little confused when Idrian Odair, the warrior from her dreams, shows up at her practice space and says he’s been looking for her. Idrian is the last dreamwalker of his people and is searching for his dreamwalk partner because his grandfather’s ghost is constantly heckling him about it. There’s a prophecy involving her, and a potential demon influx. Can the two of them use their dreamwalking and non-dream talents to save Denver from incoming badness?
It seems like Van Natta has done her research on prostheses and Idrian’s relationship with his is presented in a matter-of-fact manner: he constantly has to take care of it. It’s not the focus of his character but it does come up in the plot, so it’s good to see that introduced early and integrated into the story so that we’re not surprised when it becomes a concern.
Riya and Idrian are attracted to each other from their first meeting, and don’t take long to acknowledge that and act on it. It’s easy to see why: they’re compatible adults with adult behavior. These two were pretty much made for each other, and there are no difficulties in their romance within it or externally (like one is a tenured professor in Philadelphia so is tied to that location). I don’t know how I feel about that, even though I like that they don’t make conflict out of nothing. The conflict is instead in the mystery of some foul play and fighting some demons.
The demons are pretty original in presentation: their behaviors aren’t surprising but how the manifest and extrude isn’t something I’ve read before. The dreamwalk realm seems a little more generic as a setting. The way characters do some activation magic there is cleverly executed, though.
There’s a cute moment of levity in the final conflict that tickled my sense of the absurd. This was a fun read for an afternoon.
I received a free ARC for review purposes. ...more

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Feb 12, 2017 Debrac2014 rated it really liked it

Good! I liked both Riya and Idrian, and Idrian ancestors were a hoot!

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Feb 01, 2017 Dan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

I enjoyed it.

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Feb 22, 2017 Diane rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance_paranormal, fantasy_urban-contemporary

3.4 Goodreads; 4 stars Amazon:
I liked it, but it felt a bit too easy

The Magic, NM, shared-world premise, a community that's an illusion-disguised haven for many sorts of magical beings, has a lot of potential for exploration. This volume, however, took place only partly there, with only minor involvement of any inhabitants besides the hero and his meddling ancestral spirits. It focuses on a fantastical extrapolation of mainly-Native mythology and mysticism, though CVN avoided using any existing 3.4 Goodreads; 4 stars Amazon:
I liked it, but it felt a bit too easy

The Magic, NM, shared-world premise, a community that's an illusion-disguised haven for many sorts of magical beings, has a lot of potential for exploration. This volume, however, took place only partly there, with only minor involvement of any inhabitants besides the hero and his meddling ancestral spirits. It focuses on a fantastical extrapolation of mainly-Native mythology and mysticism, though CVN avoided using any existing tribe in specific.

The damaged warrior, struggling to deal with frequent public rejection, and adjusting to and defining his new physical limits, also offers great potential as a hero. Riya, with her unique heritage, and avocation of using both her dancer's knowledge of the human body, and her magical gift for opening up possibilities., to help people who have endured crippling injuries, is a natural match, able to look past his scars and admire his dedication and determination. Their relationship progresses quickly, partly because the dreamwalk world encourages uninhibitedness, but it's a good thing Riya finds the idea of living on Idrián's land appealing, because it wouldn't have worked out any other way.

The conflict involves a demon-possessed man, and the lesser demons he summons. Maybe the story needed moire pages to fully satisfy me, but I again just never doubted that they'd make it through. He didn't feel like enough of a "Big Bad", which he was supposed to be.

In general, it was well-edited, but there was one chapter where somehow a few editorial revisions (complete with underlined phrases replacing struck out ones) were inadvertantly left in the text. Hopefully this will be corrected soon.

Still, I liked the characters, it was an easy, enjoyable read, and I'm interested in looking into some of the other authors' contributions to the town. SFR favorite CVN, of course, I always follow for new releases. She has indicated, BTW, that while this PNR was her first, it won't be her last: she plans to do another in this series herself -- I'm guessing it'll feature the hero's cousin, since in the dénouement of this one it's mentioned that Black Fox (their dead-but-far-from-gone grandfather) reportedly has found a match for him. ...more

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Jun 04, 2016 Jean Smith rated it really liked it

One hot, sexy, wounded warrior.

What came to me multiple times as I read In Graves Below was the amazing photography of sexy wounded veterans by Michael Stokes. Ms. van Natta’s description of Idrián brought these images to mind over and over again as Idrián proved to be a survivor, wounded and scarred physically but with a resolve and strength of spirit and character that left me enthralled. Just as endearing is Riya’s ability to see past the scars to the loving warrior beneath.

Idrián is one of t One hot, sexy, wounded warrior.

What came to me multiple times as I read In Graves Below was the amazing photography of sexy wounded veterans by Michael Stokes. Ms. van Natta’s description of Idrián brought these images to mind over and over again as Idrián proved to be a survivor, wounded and scarred physically but with a resolve and strength of spirit and character that left me enthralled. Just as endearing is Riya’s ability to see past the scars to the loving warrior beneath.

Idrián is one of the last in a line of dreamwalk warriors. With the passing of his grandfather, Black Fox he is left with the responsibility of maintaining the treaties of the Dreamwalk realm which guards this realm from an invasion of demons and maintaining the wards upon his ancestral lands. Unfortunately, his grandfather put off his complete training until it was too late. The wards are failing and he has no way of renewing them unless his grandfather’s spirit returns to guide him. He spends his nights walking the Dream realm. In the Dream realm, he’s whole. He is unlimited by the prosthesis he struggles with on Earth. During the day, he communes with the spirits of his ancestors… that is if you call being harassed by them from sunrise until sundown communing. Recently in his Dreamwalk, he was joined by a beautiful woman who helped him defeat a demon. Then she disappeared. Now his grandfather’s spirit has come to tell him he must find this woman, his dream partner in order to save the world. With the few clues, she gave him he’s off to Denver to search for the dancer that already holds a piece of him.

Riya is the descendant of an avian shifter and a cloud spirit. While her siblings have inherited the ability to shift, Riya didn’t. For the most part, she’s human… well except when it comes to her magical ability with doors and portals. It was that very gift that found her walking in the Dream realm where she chanced upon a beautiful warrior fighting an ugly creature. She has spent every night since following the warrior in the Dream realm. Unable to manifest as she did the first time her words go unheard. During the day she works in a coffee shop, her evenings are spent as a dancer and choreographer. What spare time she has is spent assisting at the VA to rehabilitate wounded warriors. Promised a paid promotion she puts her heart and soul into the theatrical piece she is choreographing. But promises are just that… promises. Demons are hiding amongst the living and working the set will prove more dangerous than anything she has ever encountered. Perfect timing for fate to deliver her dream warrior to her doorstep.

Idrián and Riya partnered are a force to be reckoned with. Soul eating demons, faulty wards, pesky ancestors and an infestation of minor demons that multiply like rabbits are no match for the combined defense of a bonded pair of Dreamwalkers. They defy the limitations of the physical. Their passion for life, love and each other blazes. If you haven’t tried out the Magic, New Mexico Kindle World yet, perhaps it’s time. In Graves Below is my third in the series and I have to say if the rest stay in keeping with the world SE Smith built as well as Ms. van Natta has done then they will prove to be totally awesome as well.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions***** ...more

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May 27, 2016 Jessie Collins rated it really liked it

Magic New Mexico: In Graves Below (Kindle Worlds)

Carol Van Natta

I had never read anything by Carol Van Natta before. I was intrigued because I am a diehard fan of Susan "S E" Smith. Her Magic New Mexico has something for nearly everyone! You will see Magic, Fantasy, SciFi, Paranormal, History...it really is "where the creatures of fairy tales, myths and nightmares are free to be themselves and find their happily ever after!" But how they get there......

Riya Sanobal is like many of us, she is a t ...more

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Sep 22, 2016 Barbara Tyree rated it it was amazing

Indrian Odair has suffered injuries from when he served in Iraq and Afghanistan; including the loss of his legs. He's gotten used to the stares, people talking behind his back, and the looks.
His grandfather, Blackhawk recently died and Idrian is waiting for him to reappear so he can tell him how to access protective wards around Idrian's ranch to keep demons away.
Riya Sanabal, a dancer has "magic abilities" in her family. Her father was a cloud spirit and can only visit earth for a few months at ...more

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May 06, 2016 Eva Millien rated it really liked it

In Graves Below (Magic New Mexico / Kindle Worlds) Carol Van Natta Idrián Odair is a disabled veteran and the last dreamwalk warrior of his tribe and in order to protect his ancestral lands, he needs to find his partner before time runs out in this exciting paranormal romance.

Riya Sanobal hides her heritage and magical talent for doors in favor of her dance career but dreams of a sexy, Native American warrior is causing quite the distraction and readers can’t help but become enthralled by these ...more

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May 06, 2016 Barbara rated it it was amazing

I thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal romance of Idrian Odair, the Native American disabled vet and Riya Sandal, the beautiful dancer who is his dreamwalk partner. They meet in their dreams in the dreamwalk plane and once they finally connect in the real world, they must fight together to defeat a soul eating demon and his ravenous demon horde. I loved this world of Magic, New Mexico and the Native American warrior with his ties to the land and the spirits of his ancestors, as well as the magical ...more

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May 14, 2016 Severine Wolfe rated it it was amazing

First Time Reader

I've never read her before, but this author is good. I honestly don't like Native American stories because I grew up on the rez and frankly, so far nobody's got it right.

I loved the protagonists. They have just the right balance of modern sarcasm and respect for their history. I really liked how he was a wounded warrior without all the angst. I hope Ms Van Natta writes more. ...more

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May 08, 2016 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Brilliant

Take a scarred vet who happens to be a dream walker and a woman that looks below the surface, add in magic, annoying ancestors, a soul eater, demons who multiply like rabbits and you have the makings of a brilliant story. This story is very special and another great addition to the New Mexico Kindle World, bravo.

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Aug 22, 2016 Pam Collins rated it it was amazing

Love this series!

Imaginatively zany and full of all the best components of great literature. This entire series is fabulously enthralling.
Reading all the different excellent authors that create these marvelous books is a terrific way to find your next favorite one like I have.

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Nov 14, 2016 Jeanne M. Jacquet rated it it was amazing

Spirited

This is a great story to introduce Native American spiritualism to newbies. I really enjoyed the contrasting histories of the characteristic.

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Dec 26, 2017 Llaph rated it liked it

Shelves: demon-angel, kindle, kindle-unlimited, pnr-uf, werewolf-shape-shifter, woo-woo

This book was on a list of possible books given by an author I really like. The premise sounded awesome, I liked most everything about the parts of the story, but they just didn't mesh right to me. I felt like I were missing some info and there was so much potential for certain things that weren’t fleshed out enough for me. It also felt like the story was told more by rote or recitation—I’m not sure exactly how to explain that. It felt more of a tell than show at points to me. That could be beca ...more

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Aug 10, 2018 Norma Grogan rated it it was amazing

A FUN, EXCITING, MAGICAL BOOK!

I very much enjoyed Carol Van Natta's journey to S.E. Smith's enchanting world of Magic, New Mexico. A place in the heart of the beautiful New Mexico desert where magic is as real as the wizards, shifters, oracles, mages, spirits and many other fascinating beings of this and other realms that inhabit it. Unfortunately, not all of these extraordinary and otherworldly beings are good or welcome in and around Magic or in cities such as Denver which isn't too far away. ...more

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Apr 22, 2019 Amy Shannon rated it it was amazing

Another great book

Van Natta's In Graves Below is another great book from this wonderful writer. I read as much as I can from Van Natta, and always enjoy her books. This book was simply magical and yes, majestic. A scarred Vet that's a dream walker is just the start of the story. It's remarkable and I read it from cover to cover. There are definitely interesting characters, with the powers of magic, both light and dark, with that hint of paranormal. Van Natta gives this reader just what she wants ...more

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Sep 26, 2017 Virginia James rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed the storyline. However I got the book because of the fun mayhem and characters of the town of Magic. There was very little of that world in the book.

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May 05, 2016 Val Booklover rated it liked it

Shelves: action-adventure, fantasy, paranormal, romance, short, sweet

** The author kindly sent me a free copy in exchange for posting an honest review **

First, a caveat: this is the first story I read that is built in the universe of "Magic, New Mexico", so any idiocies I may utter here regarding the context is obviously my fault, ok?

That settled, let me tell you this is a novella or short novel about a scarred and disabled warrior -the last of his people- finding the partner that helps him save the land of his ancestors, the "reality" from soul-eating demons, a ...more

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May 18, 2016 William Howe rated it it was ok

Clumsy, rushed, and poorly proofed

I love the Aeon Flux books. This does not measure up.

In the final remarks from the author I discovered that this is not her world. It shows.

The characters are vivid, but everything else is so chaotic it feels unplanned. There is an urgency to everything that makes it feel rushed and barely coherent. Almost info-dump level of 'tell' with inadequate 'show' to pull it together. The magic lacks any semblance of a system.

I like the author's work. There are moments th ...more

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Aug 27, 2016 Peggy rated it really liked it

Entertaining story with magic, heroes and demons!

A story about a native American warrior who was wounded serving in the U.S. armed forces. This warrior is a shaman who dreamwalks. His grandfather's spirit helps him find his dreamwalker partner who is in danger from a soul stealing demon! ...more

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Aug 15, 2016 julia Samson rated it really liked it

Wow!

Love this book. I liked especially the take on Native American legend. Having been born in New Mexico and rock hounded there; it was great to read the love of the area.

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About Carol Van Natta

Carol Van Natta

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Carol Van Natta writes science fiction and fantasy, including Overload Flux, Minder Rising, Zero Flux, Pico's Crush, and Jumper's Hope, the first five books in a space opera series; In Graves Below (Magic, NM) , a paranormal romance; and Hooray for Holopticon , a retro science fiction comedy. She shares her Fort Collins, CO home with a sometime mad scientist and various cats. Any vio ...more