What do you think?
Rate this book
SPI Files #5
The Myth Manifestation
The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) protect people from predatory supernaturals. This time, we’re the ones who need protection.
New York is one of the most popular convention destinations in the world—for humans and supernaturals. Every hundred years, rulers of thhe world’s supernatural races come together to negotiate and renew a peace treaty. Meeting in the same hotel are the governors of our world’s goblin and elf colonies. SPI is saddled with the security nightmare of keeping the living delegates alive and the undead delegates from becoming permanently deceased. We’ve got our work cut out for us.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI. Our security nightmare becomes real when monsters from the delegates’ mythologies begin mysteriously appearing in the flesh to hunt delegates from every side of the debate. And when the hotel gets sucked into another dimension, there’s no escape.
We discover that we’re all pieces in an elaborate and deadly game. A game about to spill out into the real world. Failing to escape is game over and not an option. We have to save the world—but first, wee have to save ourselves.
New York is one of the most popular convention destinations in the world—for humans and supernaturals. Every hundred years, rulers of thhe world’s supernatural races come together to negotiate and renew a peace treaty. Meeting in the same hotel are the governors of our world’s goblin and elf colonies. SPI is saddled with the security nightmare of keeping the living delegates alive and the undead delegates from becoming permanently deceased. We’ve got our work cut out for us.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI. Our security nightmare becomes real when monsters from the delegates’ mythologies begin mysteriously appearing in the flesh to hunt delegates from every side of the debate. And when the hotel gets sucked into another dimension, there’s no escape.
We discover that we’re all pieces in an elaborate and deadly game. A game about to spill out into the real world. Failing to escape is game over and not an option. We have to save the world—but first, wee have to save ourselves.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2018
132 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shearin
22 books1,104 followersLisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 12, 2025
2020 Re-Read
First SPI self-published volume. I'm happy that the same cover illustrator continued on. Julie Dillon outdid herself with this cover. Even if I didn't know the series, I would have bought the book based on that artwork! It probably would have been more suited to the previous volume with its Formorans & tentacle beasts, but its still awesome.
Plenty of plots and supernatural creatures to go around in this installment. Vivienne is back in her dragon glory this time around, ruling over a supernatural summit. Circumstances shut out her formidable vampire lawyer, Alain Moreau, this outing. I miss him when he's not included! On the plus side, the Viking team comes to town to assist with security. They are always fun.
Not all authors can manage to tie their series together as neatly as Shearin does in this book. It's a natural fit, not requiring too much massaging of the previously written material. Achieved with her trademark humour.
So far, Shearin seems to be committed to continuing this series, for which I am a grateful fan.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I’m still enjoying this series--there’s plenty of action in each book, but somehow the overarching plot line moves along very, very slowly. But this seems to be a Shearin thing, as her Raine Benares series is exactly the same in this regard.
Speaking of the Raine Benares series, this is the volume where the two series come together. One of Raine’s piratical relatives shows up as a diplomat here in Mackenna’s universe and Mac’s goblin love interest, Rake, turns out to be a cousin of Raine’s one-time love interest, Tam.
I’m not entirely sure, but it seems that Shearin has had to publish this book (and later volumes of Raine Benares) as an independent, rather than with a traditional publisher. My public library wouldn’t order this volume, because their policy is to only purchase from traditional publishers, so I had to put out my own cash for this adventure. Not a big deal, since I’ve purchased the entire series, but it makes me a bit sad that people who depend on the library can’t continue on.
I think I’m safe in saying that if you liked previous volumes of the SPI Files, you will also enjoy this one. If I have any critique, it’s that I didn’t get nearly enough of Mac’s partner, Ian, in this volume. The Mac-Ian show has been entertaining and I’m sorry it got short shrift in this outing. I’m also a little disappointed with Rake, who seems to be going all ooey-gooey good guy. Where is the dark mage that Mackenna fell for in the first books?
Despite these concerns, I don’t think there’s any doubt that I will put out the money for the next volume!
First SPI self-published volume. I'm happy that the same cover illustrator continued on. Julie Dillon outdid herself with this cover. Even if I didn't know the series, I would have bought the book based on that artwork! It probably would have been more suited to the previous volume with its Formorans & tentacle beasts, but its still awesome.
Plenty of plots and supernatural creatures to go around in this installment. Vivienne is back in her dragon glory this time around, ruling over a supernatural summit. Circumstances shut out her formidable vampire lawyer, Alain Moreau, this outing. I miss him when he's not included! On the plus side, the Viking team comes to town to assist with security. They are always fun.
Not all authors can manage to tie their series together as neatly as Shearin does in this book. It's a natural fit, not requiring too much massaging of the previously written material. Achieved with her trademark humour.
So far, Shearin seems to be committed to continuing this series, for which I am a grateful fan.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I’m still enjoying this series--there’s plenty of action in each book, but somehow the overarching plot line moves along very, very slowly. But this seems to be a Shearin thing, as her Raine Benares series is exactly the same in this regard.
Speaking of the Raine Benares series, this is the volume where the two series come together. One of Raine’s piratical relatives shows up as a diplomat here in Mackenna’s universe and Mac’s goblin love interest, Rake, turns out to be a cousin of Raine’s one-time love interest, Tam.
I’m not entirely sure, but it seems that Shearin has had to publish this book (and later volumes of Raine Benares) as an independent, rather than with a traditional publisher. My public library wouldn’t order this volume, because their policy is to only purchase from traditional publishers, so I had to put out my own cash for this adventure. Not a big deal, since I’ve purchased the entire series, but it makes me a bit sad that people who depend on the library can’t continue on.
I think I’m safe in saying that if you liked previous volumes of the SPI Files, you will also enjoy this one. If I have any critique, it’s that I didn’t get nearly enough of Mac’s partner, Ian, in this volume. The Mac-Ian show has been entertaining and I’m sorry it got short shrift in this outing. I’m also a little disappointed with Rake, who seems to be going all ooey-gooey good guy. Where is the dark mage that Mackenna fell for in the first books?
Despite these concerns, I don’t think there’s any doubt that I will put out the money for the next volume!
January 18, 2018
Mac, Ian, as well as some selected SPI agents are at Regor Regency Hotel, New York, as part of security detail for Centennial Supernatural Summit. Rake Denescu -- who has been courting Mac for the past several books -- is the owner of the hotel. It's a very important event for everyone attending.
Unfortunately before the meeting starts, the hotel is being 'attacked' by creatures that, well, on theory, are not supposed to be there. So everyone is busy defending the hotel while making sure that all of delegates are alive (or stay dead in case of vampires, and not, you know, deader)
...
Another FUN time with the SPI agents and the supernatural beings!! Although I'm not sure they think the same when they're battling manifestation of 'mythical' creatures *laugh*. The setting is a little bit different; everything pretty much happened inside the hotel, so the stake is quite high for the team to make sure that nobody died.
Loved the pace of this one, and I wholeheartedly ENJOYED reading about the 'new' creatures. Like the buka or the grimtogs. And as always, the humor is good, Mac is cool (earlier in the book, she saves the day with bacon-throwing!), and Vivienne Sagadraco is A GODDESS.
Apparently this series no longer released by Ace Books. Lisa Shearin released this new one from digital platform of her agent (I read that in her blog). Somehow I hope that this means it won't take another year for the next book. Because I seriously cannot wait to see Rake meeting the parents *wink wink*
Unfortunately before the meeting starts, the hotel is being 'attacked' by creatures that, well, on theory, are not supposed to be there. So everyone is busy defending the hotel while making sure that all of delegates are alive (or stay dead in case of vampires, and not, you know, deader)
...
Another FUN time with the SPI agents and the supernatural beings!! Although I'm not sure they think the same when they're battling manifestation of 'mythical' creatures *laugh*. The setting is a little bit different; everything pretty much happened inside the hotel, so the stake is quite high for the team to make sure that nobody died.
Loved the pace of this one, and I wholeheartedly ENJOYED reading about the 'new' creatures. Like the buka or the grimtogs. And as always, the humor is good, Mac is cool (earlier in the book, she saves the day with bacon-throwing!), and Vivienne Sagadraco is A GODDESS.
Apparently this series no longer released by Ace Books. Lisa Shearin released this new one from digital platform of her agent (I read that in her blog). Somehow I hope that this means it won't take another year for the next book. Because I seriously cannot wait to see Rake meeting the parents *wink wink*
December 1, 2023
Another frantic adventure narrated by Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI (Supernatural Protection & Investigations), this time in a curious version of the classic locked-room mystery--everyone's locked into a luxury hotel for high-stakes negotiations between supernatural powers from various worlds and dimensions. The publisher's blurb, reprinted at the head of this Goodreads page, is pretty accurate in setting the story up, so I'll just add comments to it.
Makenna, as we know from the first four SPI Files books, is valuable to this secret security organization because she's one of the very few people (and the only one in America, I think) who can see the true shape of supernatural beings through any glamor or cloaking they use to make themselves invisible or to appear like ordinary human beings, so she goes along to point out targets for a SPI crew to take down. But that, of course, makes her vulnerable and therefore quite a liability to SPI at the same time, as she can't defend herself terribly well against magical attacks.
Vivienne Sagadraco, the dragon shifter who founded SPI in 1647 and is still its director, is very much on scene in Rafe Danescu's luxury hotel, where ambassadors and delegates from many worlds have come together for the Centennial Supernatural Summit. Tight security is being handled by SPI, whose New York crew is augmented by the Vikings from Oslo--it was good to see them again. Makenna's partner and senior SPI agent Ian Byrne is there as you'd expect, but he just does his job; the focus is on Makenna's questionable love interest Rafe, the vastly wealthy goblin who owns lots of New York real estate including the Regor Regency Hotel in lower Manhattan. Yes, they are now officially "dating."
Rafe is clearly much more of a good guy in this book, but he does have a history of wielding his considerable magical power in many different directions. And he's a goblin, gray skin and all behind his constant glamor for public view; Makenna sees him as he really is, and it seems he still turns her on. It's still hard for me to grasp what this country girl from the mountains of North Carolina sees in him, compared with obvious romantic (and human!) figures like her senior partner Ian, who displays death-defying courage at every turn. Well, as stereotypes of romance novels go, it's true that Rafe is a single, eligible billionaire. But each of the two is powerful in his own way.
Once the hotel is "sucked into a pocket dimension," so that nobody can leave or communicate with the world outside, one thing is all too clear--the evil entity who's popping a breath-taking variety of dangerous creatures in and out is somewhere in the hotel with them. He, she, or it (or they?) override and nullify everyone's magical powers, and creatures (like a giant scorpion) are dealing death rather indiscriminately. What's the evil purpose behind all the destruction and how can SPI save the lives of everyone who's trapped here?
Breath-taking action combines with a deep mystery while tensions between elves and goblins is raised to a second power with conflict between the governors of these two races on Earth and the new governments of their home world, whose delegates to the summit seem oddly at peace with each other. The supernatural politics amounts to a second tense mystery. If Makenna's narrative style gets a little repetitive (she loves to talk in one-liners, over and over), the plot and the blood-thirsty magical animals kept me turning the pages. And the dwarves and those nasty little grimtogs gave comic relief.
This series just keeps going strong. Still recommended.
Makenna, as we know from the first four SPI Files books, is valuable to this secret security organization because she's one of the very few people (and the only one in America, I think) who can see the true shape of supernatural beings through any glamor or cloaking they use to make themselves invisible or to appear like ordinary human beings, so she goes along to point out targets for a SPI crew to take down. But that, of course, makes her vulnerable and therefore quite a liability to SPI at the same time, as she can't defend herself terribly well against magical attacks.
Vivienne Sagadraco, the dragon shifter who founded SPI in 1647 and is still its director, is very much on scene in Rafe Danescu's luxury hotel, where ambassadors and delegates from many worlds have come together for the Centennial Supernatural Summit. Tight security is being handled by SPI, whose New York crew is augmented by the Vikings from Oslo--it was good to see them again. Makenna's partner and senior SPI agent Ian Byrne is there as you'd expect, but he just does his job; the focus is on Makenna's questionable love interest Rafe, the vastly wealthy goblin who owns lots of New York real estate including the Regor Regency Hotel in lower Manhattan. Yes, they are now officially "dating."
Rafe is clearly much more of a good guy in this book, but he does have a history of wielding his considerable magical power in many different directions. And he's a goblin, gray skin and all behind his constant glamor for public view; Makenna sees him as he really is, and it seems he still turns her on. It's still hard for me to grasp what this country girl from the mountains of North Carolina sees in him, compared with obvious romantic (and human!) figures like her senior partner Ian, who displays death-defying courage at every turn. Well, as stereotypes of romance novels go, it's true that Rafe is a single, eligible billionaire. But each of the two is powerful in his own way.
Once the hotel is "sucked into a pocket dimension," so that nobody can leave or communicate with the world outside, one thing is all too clear--the evil entity who's popping a breath-taking variety of dangerous creatures in and out is somewhere in the hotel with them. He, she, or it (or they?) override and nullify everyone's magical powers, and creatures (like a giant scorpion) are dealing death rather indiscriminately. What's the evil purpose behind all the destruction and how can SPI save the lives of everyone who's trapped here?
Breath-taking action combines with a deep mystery while tensions between elves and goblins is raised to a second power with conflict between the governors of these two races on Earth and the new governments of their home world, whose delegates to the summit seem oddly at peace with each other. The supernatural politics amounts to a second tense mystery. If Makenna's narrative style gets a little repetitive (she loves to talk in one-liners, over and over), the plot and the blood-thirsty magical animals kept me turning the pages. And the dwarves and those nasty little grimtogs gave comic relief.
This series just keeps going strong. Still recommended.
March 7, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
THE MYTH MANIFESTATION is exactly what one would expect from Lisa Shearin and the SPI Files series. It's got our sassy-as-ever Mac, action packed scenes with creepy creatures, and general all around humor and fun. Plus, this book opens the door for even more crossover between Shearin's SPI Files and Raine Benares series.
As a lover of all things Shearin, having read the original six books in the Raine Benares series while they were still being published (I like to think of them as my first foray into urban fantasy!), the crossover between the two series is something I gleefully welcome! However, it might be annoying to some readers if they aren't familiar with the Raine Benares world. To those readers, I say: do yourself a favor and go read the Raine books. They're good, and while somewhat "traditional" fantasy (in that they don't take place in our world) if you like Mac, you'll like Raine. Shearin's writing is predictable in a good way, and the sass, action, and humor are very similar in both series.
The thing that bothered me the most about THE MYTH MANIFESTATION was Mac's internal dialogue. It doesn't always sound super real, and it sometimes gets repetitive. The repetition is a complaint I had with previous books, and definitely something that eventually you get used to, as a reader, but this is the narrator we're talking about here, so it's a bit frustrating.
But THE MYTH MANIFESTATION has plenty of good. One of my complaints about the previous book was that Mac felt a little coddled. While I still see elements of overprotectiveness in Ian and Rake, she definitely strikes out on her own more in this book, and it feels like her skills are growing and she's getting more confident. The pacing of the plot was good, and there was enough explanation about elven and goblin politics that readers not familiar with Shearin's books would totally get the idea. In fact, I can easily see somebody picking up this book, not having read any of the others, and being able to slip right into the world. (I don't recommend it, because the other books are SO GOOD but, eh, whatever floats your boat!) And the cast of characters who surround Mac continue to delight and entertain.
All in all, I really enjoyed THE MYTH MANIFESTATION. I am overjoyed to see that Shearin has four more books planned for this series and cannot wait to see where they go. This might even merit a reread of all of Shearin's books!
Sexual content: Implied sex
THE MYTH MANIFESTATION is exactly what one would expect from Lisa Shearin and the SPI Files series. It's got our sassy-as-ever Mac, action packed scenes with creepy creatures, and general all around humor and fun. Plus, this book opens the door for even more crossover between Shearin's SPI Files and Raine Benares series.
As a lover of all things Shearin, having read the original six books in the Raine Benares series while they were still being published (I like to think of them as my first foray into urban fantasy!), the crossover between the two series is something I gleefully welcome! However, it might be annoying to some readers if they aren't familiar with the Raine Benares world. To those readers, I say: do yourself a favor and go read the Raine books. They're good, and while somewhat "traditional" fantasy (in that they don't take place in our world) if you like Mac, you'll like Raine. Shearin's writing is predictable in a good way, and the sass, action, and humor are very similar in both series.
The thing that bothered me the most about THE MYTH MANIFESTATION was Mac's internal dialogue. It doesn't always sound super real, and it sometimes gets repetitive. The repetition is a complaint I had with previous books, and definitely something that eventually you get used to, as a reader, but this is the narrator we're talking about here, so it's a bit frustrating.
But THE MYTH MANIFESTATION has plenty of good. One of my complaints about the previous book was that Mac felt a little coddled. While I still see elements of overprotectiveness in Ian and Rake, she definitely strikes out on her own more in this book, and it feels like her skills are growing and she's getting more confident. The pacing of the plot was good, and there was enough explanation about elven and goblin politics that readers not familiar with Shearin's books would totally get the idea. In fact, I can easily see somebody picking up this book, not having read any of the others, and being able to slip right into the world. (I don't recommend it, because the other books are SO GOOD but, eh, whatever floats your boat!) And the cast of characters who surround Mac continue to delight and entertain.
All in all, I really enjoyed THE MYTH MANIFESTATION. I am overjoyed to see that Shearin has four more books planned for this series and cannot wait to see where they go. This might even merit a reread of all of Shearin's books!
Sexual content: Implied sex
January 6, 2024
Stars: 4.5 out of 5.
This is another excellent installment into the series. I swear this keeps getting better and better with each book.
In this book, we have a variation of a closed room (or in this case a closed hotel) mystery. Our characters, along with a bunch of other magical races, find themselves trapped in a hotel that has been transported into a pocket dimension. They can't get out, but monsters sure can get in, and they have big appetites and nefarious intentions. What follows is a tense couple days during which our characters fight for their lives and try to determine exactly what happened, how to stop it, and who is responsible. Non-stop action and thrills, and the book flies by.
Mac continues to progress and develop as a character without losing her spunk and humor. I am not ashamed to say that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines, there along with Kate Daniels (which is high praise). She is really becoming a badass, even though she isn't portrayed as this killing machine that needs no man to help her.
On the contrary, Mac is a seer, so her powers are non-offensive. She can't conjure fire and incinerate her enemies. She doesn't have super strength or super speed or fast regeneration. All she can do is see through glamor and veils. Oh, and detect portals. But she makes the most of her ability, which makes her an invaluable asset to her team.
I loved that she has a pain gun instead of a normal gun. Because SPI has plenty of sharpshooters, but they can't hit what they can't see. So Mac's job is to hit the target well enough to make it visible to the snipers who can punch it full of holes afterwards. She has to be a good shot to hit a moving target in a frantic situation, but she doesn't have to worry about delivering a kill shot. And I love that her team knows how to utilize her abilities best and that they have a backup plan for her if things hit the fan. And Mac sticks to that plan instead of trying to go GI Jane on people (and probably get herself killed). Like during the methodical sweep of the hotel floors. The plan was that if they are overwhelmed and she can't help, she runs for the hotel lobby to regroup with the rest of the SPI commandoes. And Mac does just that.
My only complaint about this book is that there wasn't enough Ian in it. Oh, he was present, but there wasn't much Mac and Ian interaction. I love how those two bounce off each other. And since their relationship turned firmly into the adopted siblings category, their banter is just so fun to read about. I hope we get more of them together in the next book.
I also think that the tie in to the author's other series set up in the same universe was well made. Now I want to read about Raine Benares as well to see if the main villain of this book gets his just desserts.
This is another excellent installment into the series. I swear this keeps getting better and better with each book.
In this book, we have a variation of a closed room (or in this case a closed hotel) mystery. Our characters, along with a bunch of other magical races, find themselves trapped in a hotel that has been transported into a pocket dimension. They can't get out, but monsters sure can get in, and they have big appetites and nefarious intentions. What follows is a tense couple days during which our characters fight for their lives and try to determine exactly what happened, how to stop it, and who is responsible. Non-stop action and thrills, and the book flies by.
Mac continues to progress and develop as a character without losing her spunk and humor. I am not ashamed to say that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines, there along with Kate Daniels (which is high praise). She is really becoming a badass, even though she isn't portrayed as this killing machine that needs no man to help her.
On the contrary, Mac is a seer, so her powers are non-offensive. She can't conjure fire and incinerate her enemies. She doesn't have super strength or super speed or fast regeneration. All she can do is see through glamor and veils. Oh, and detect portals. But she makes the most of her ability, which makes her an invaluable asset to her team.
I loved that she has a pain gun instead of a normal gun. Because SPI has plenty of sharpshooters, but they can't hit what they can't see. So Mac's job is to hit the target well enough to make it visible to the snipers who can punch it full of holes afterwards. She has to be a good shot to hit a moving target in a frantic situation, but she doesn't have to worry about delivering a kill shot. And I love that her team knows how to utilize her abilities best and that they have a backup plan for her if things hit the fan. And Mac sticks to that plan instead of trying to go GI Jane on people (and probably get herself killed). Like during the methodical sweep of the hotel floors. The plan was that if they are overwhelmed and she can't help, she runs for the hotel lobby to regroup with the rest of the SPI commandoes. And Mac does just that.
My only complaint about this book is that there wasn't enough Ian in it. Oh, he was present, but there wasn't much Mac and Ian interaction. I love how those two bounce off each other. And since their relationship turned firmly into the adopted siblings category, their banter is just so fun to read about. I hope we get more of them together in the next book.
I also think that the tie in to the author's other series set up in the same universe was well made. Now I want to read about Raine Benares as well to see if the main villain of this book gets his just desserts.
July 18, 2018
Taking place a few months after the conclusion of The Ghoul Vendetta, The Myth Manifestation features a summit of most supernatural races that reside on Earth. It’s been a hundred years since they last came together in the name of peace, and SPI is carefully monitoring (and providing security for) this huge shindig being held at one of Lord Rake’s hotels. Unfortunately, politics and magic get in the way of a smooth event and the occupants become locked inside a pocket dimension. It’s up to Mak and SPI to save the day once again.
The Myth Manifestation is the fifth full-length title in Ms. Shearin’s SPI Files series but could probably work as a standalone if one is unfamiliar with the series. Each book’s storyline is standalone and the author provides more than enough background to help new readers adjust to her world. The few threads of story arcs that jump from story to story, such as Mak and Rake’s relationship, aren’t strong enough to demand a read from the beginning of the series.
The story within The Myth Manifestation is solid, and there is subterfuge-a-plenty, making it exciting at times. However, it took too much time for my liking to get to the meat of the story; I found the tale slow and repetitive until over three-quarters into the book. Yet, I found the puzzle of what was happening and why an interesting mystery to solve.
Having read/listened to the series from the beginning, I have struggled with the storytelling in the last couple books. While it was probably like this from the beginning, it becomes more noticeable with each subsequent book I listen to in the series. The crux of my issue is that while the story is shared from first person POV of Makena, it’s told as if she’s explaining the story to someone else rather than as if she’s experiencing the action. I feel like the lengthy explanations and repetitive reminders don’t fit with the first person POV. I want to live through her experiences not have her explain them to me. And she is constantly repeating herself, giving readers (listeners) repetitive reminders and descriptions.
I also continue to struggle with the romantic story arc involving main character Mak and Goblin Lord Rake. While I was pleased that the author significantly reduced the Mak/Ian page time, making them feel more like the partners they are and not potential love interests, I still feel that she is doing a disservice to the potential/existing romance. At the end of the previous book, it seemed as if the pair were finally a committed couple, but at the start of The Myth Manifestation, we find Mak wondering if they are together or not. The entire aspect of the series is wishy-washy and it frustrates me. The problem is we just don’t see any of their romance; we don’t see them together as a couple. Either make it a solid part of the story or get rid of it. I don’t need explicit scenes, just them spending time together not working.
The narration by Ms. Parker continues to be a shining part of the series. She gives a solid voice to Makenna, bringing her to life. I love the southern drawl and the measured cadence of her storytelling. It is comforting and familiar, but also emotional, especially when Mak is worried or angry. The supporting characters’ voices are equally as familiar by this point, but I still struggle with some similarities between Rak and Ian.
In the end, I mostly enjoyed The Myth Manifestation; however, Ms. Shearin’s method of storytelling is wearing on me. I like the characters and love the world she’s created, but feel the constant repetition hinders the development of the story.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B+
The Myth Manifestation is the fifth full-length title in Ms. Shearin’s SPI Files series but could probably work as a standalone if one is unfamiliar with the series. Each book’s storyline is standalone and the author provides more than enough background to help new readers adjust to her world. The few threads of story arcs that jump from story to story, such as Mak and Rake’s relationship, aren’t strong enough to demand a read from the beginning of the series.
The story within The Myth Manifestation is solid, and there is subterfuge-a-plenty, making it exciting at times. However, it took too much time for my liking to get to the meat of the story; I found the tale slow and repetitive until over three-quarters into the book. Yet, I found the puzzle of what was happening and why an interesting mystery to solve.
Having read/listened to the series from the beginning, I have struggled with the storytelling in the last couple books. While it was probably like this from the beginning, it becomes more noticeable with each subsequent book I listen to in the series. The crux of my issue is that while the story is shared from first person POV of Makena, it’s told as if she’s explaining the story to someone else rather than as if she’s experiencing the action. I feel like the lengthy explanations and repetitive reminders don’t fit with the first person POV. I want to live through her experiences not have her explain them to me. And she is constantly repeating herself, giving readers (listeners) repetitive reminders and descriptions.
I also continue to struggle with the romantic story arc involving main character Mak and Goblin Lord Rake. While I was pleased that the author significantly reduced the Mak/Ian page time, making them feel more like the partners they are and not potential love interests, I still feel that she is doing a disservice to the potential/existing romance. At the end of the previous book, it seemed as if the pair were finally a committed couple, but at the start of The Myth Manifestation, we find Mak wondering if they are together or not. The entire aspect of the series is wishy-washy and it frustrates me. The problem is we just don’t see any of their romance; we don’t see them together as a couple. Either make it a solid part of the story or get rid of it. I don’t need explicit scenes, just them spending time together not working.
The narration by Ms. Parker continues to be a shining part of the series. She gives a solid voice to Makenna, bringing her to life. I love the southern drawl and the measured cadence of her storytelling. It is comforting and familiar, but also emotional, especially when Mak is worried or angry. The supporting characters’ voices are equally as familiar by this point, but I still struggle with some similarities between Rak and Ian.
In the end, I mostly enjoyed The Myth Manifestation; however, Ms. Shearin’s method of storytelling is wearing on me. I like the characters and love the world she’s created, but feel the constant repetition hinders the development of the story.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B+
January 24, 2018
I jumped into this UF series with book five. Very cute heroine, but this is a very populated world. I understood the world building but there were so many characters! Nice voice though. Mini review coming
February 19, 2018
3.5 maybe 4 stars
June 18, 2018
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I was glad to be back in Makenna’s weird world. This series has been a lot of fun from the beginning. Mac is a seer. She can see things that others can’t and can see through glamours. She is invaluable to SPI (Supernatural Protection & Investigations). She isn’t a fully trained agent, but is partnered with one of the best, Ian.
In this story, the team is working a U.N. like meeting where all the different species from our plane and others come together and negotiate the different treaties and such. Vivienne Sagadraco, leader of SPI and dragon, is the one in charge of all of this. She wanted her best teams running security for this shindig. Oh, and it’s being held at Rake Danscu’s hotel. Rake is Mac’s goblin boyfriend, though things haven’t gone very far at this point.
When a portal mage is found dead, Mac, Ian and the team have to figure out what happened. Oh, and someone has locked down the hotel. No one can seem to get in or out. I guess if you’re going to be locked somewhere for a long time, there could be worse places than fancy hotel. Well, unless that hotel has dangerous creatures popping in trying to kill people.
This was another fun and high action story. There is plenty of humor mixed in with the action. What really makes this series for me are the characters. I just love Mac, Ian, Rake, Kenji (tech geek and half elf), Yasha (werewolf and Ian and Mac’s driver), Kitty (portal mage and baker) and Vivienne Sagadraco. This is a great group of characters. If you like urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series.
Narration
I’m a huge fan of Johanna Parker. I think she has a great ability to bring out the humor in a story. She does a great job with different accents and male and female voices. This series has a large cast, and she does a great job.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I was glad to be back in Makenna’s weird world. This series has been a lot of fun from the beginning. Mac is a seer. She can see things that others can’t and can see through glamours. She is invaluable to SPI (Supernatural Protection & Investigations). She isn’t a fully trained agent, but is partnered with one of the best, Ian.
In this story, the team is working a U.N. like meeting where all the different species from our plane and others come together and negotiate the different treaties and such. Vivienne Sagadraco, leader of SPI and dragon, is the one in charge of all of this. She wanted her best teams running security for this shindig. Oh, and it’s being held at Rake Danscu’s hotel. Rake is Mac’s goblin boyfriend, though things haven’t gone very far at this point.
When a portal mage is found dead, Mac, Ian and the team have to figure out what happened. Oh, and someone has locked down the hotel. No one can seem to get in or out. I guess if you’re going to be locked somewhere for a long time, there could be worse places than fancy hotel. Well, unless that hotel has dangerous creatures popping in trying to kill people.
This was another fun and high action story. There is plenty of humor mixed in with the action. What really makes this series for me are the characters. I just love Mac, Ian, Rake, Kenji (tech geek and half elf), Yasha (werewolf and Ian and Mac’s driver), Kitty (portal mage and baker) and Vivienne Sagadraco. This is a great group of characters. If you like urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series.
Narration
I’m a huge fan of Johanna Parker. I think she has a great ability to bring out the humor in a story. She does a great job with different accents and male and female voices. This series has a large cast, and she does a great job.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2018
Wild, rollicking fun
What a great ride! The newest addition to the SPI Files hits the ground running and never slows down. It is a fun, exciting ride. I loved the excitement, humor, suspense, and witty dialogue. Ms. Shearin gets better with every book. I can't wait to see what happens next.
What a great ride! The newest addition to the SPI Files hits the ground running and never slows down. It is a fun, exciting ride. I loved the excitement, humor, suspense, and witty dialogue. Ms. Shearin gets better with every book. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 27, 2018
Makenna Fraser is still one of my top female protagonists of all time. She's scrappy, honest, and funny as hell. I love that she knows her limits and isn't an instant bad-ass like many books, but instead is constantly growing and learning without losing her charm.
This book had the classic Shearin set up - great monsters, plausible and well-explained challenge, and it was full of wit and sarcasm. It didn't have as much character development as past books, but instead was a very enjoyable. This series could go on for a very long time because there are so many things that these characters could endure.
My critiques are minimal. There was phrase used 2-3 times that was "pay dirt". I'm not sure if this was a spelling error and should have been "pay day" (which would have made far more sense), or just a new phrase I am not familiar with. If anyone has heard of it before, please let me know.
As mentioned, the character development was not a predominant part of the story. I didn't mind because the action and humour is still very fun, but have that expectation before you read it. I really wish that Rake and Makenna's relationship was given more time. She kept referring to her love life as if they were on rocky terms, but he refers to their relationship as courting making it sound like he's still trying to convince her to date him. Then at the end of the book they plan for Rake to meet the parents. The actual status of their relationship was convoluted throughout. I am glad that they are moving forward but I really wish there was more of that sexual tension and banter that had made the relationship so much fun in previous books.
This is my go-to series for a fun and dependable read. I look forward to seeing what trouble they get into next.
This book had the classic Shearin set up - great monsters, plausible and well-explained challenge, and it was full of wit and sarcasm. It didn't have as much character development as past books, but instead was a very enjoyable. This series could go on for a very long time because there are so many things that these characters could endure.
My critiques are minimal. There was phrase used 2-3 times that was "pay dirt". I'm not sure if this was a spelling error and should have been "pay day" (which would have made far more sense), or just a new phrase I am not familiar with. If anyone has heard of it before, please let me know.
As mentioned, the character development was not a predominant part of the story. I didn't mind because the action and humour is still very fun, but have that expectation before you read it. I really wish that Rake and Makenna's relationship was given more time. She kept referring to her love life as if they were on rocky terms, but he refers to their relationship as courting making it sound like he's still trying to convince her to date him. Then at the end of the book they plan for Rake to meet the parents. The actual status of their relationship was convoluted throughout. I am glad that they are moving forward but I really wish there was more of that sexual tension and banter that had made the relationship so much fun in previous books.
This is my go-to series for a fun and dependable read. I look forward to seeing what trouble they get into next.
February 19, 2018
THE MYTH MANIFESTATION was another great addition to the SPI Files series.
Get ready for action, mystery, and drama with a little side of romance in THE MYTH MANIFESTATION. We get visits from old friends—even some crossover from the Raine Benares series— and learn a lot more about what lives in the world that makes up the series. Mak seemed to be on her own quite a bit in book five, which I found a little odd. I really like her partnership with Ian and wasn't understanding why they were separated so much, but I still enjoyed watching her work through clues.
One thing I would really like to happen is more insight on Mak and Rake's relationship. I would love for the author to reveal more about them together. I feel like a lot happens off page and then I'm a little lost as to what is happening. I think if we got more in-depth with them, I would love them more as a couple instead of just liking them.
The SPI Files has been a fun series so far. I enjoy the characters, the settings are always interesting and the plots never disappoint. I look forward to seeing where Lisa Shearin takes Mak and her friends next.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
I think this one should be 3.9. Not being funny. It is a good story-remember only stories and writing I consider to be Very Great get to be five stars-a worthy read but just not on my favorites list. Not sure why.
Shearin does great with descriptions, her characters are real and you can relate to them. The story follows the plot well. There are twists and surprises yet not as many as could be. The world is very imaginative and well done.
I think for me it was the storyline and that she doesn't get down deep into her character's psychic. Some writers do that well but many only go so far down.
Still I do recommend it. I enjoyed it and was entertained by it. However remember this is the fifth in a series. You probably could enjoy it and get enough of the past story lines to enjoy this one by itself but don't. Get the whole series.
Shearin does great with descriptions, her characters are real and you can relate to them. The story follows the plot well. There are twists and surprises yet not as many as could be. The world is very imaginative and well done.
I think for me it was the storyline and that she doesn't get down deep into her character's psychic. Some writers do that well but many only go so far down.
Still I do recommend it. I enjoyed it and was entertained by it. However remember this is the fifth in a series. You probably could enjoy it and get enough of the past story lines to enjoy this one by itself but don't. Get the whole series.
June 19, 2019
The Myth Manifestation is the fifth book in the SPI Files series written by Lisa Shearin and centered on Makenna Fraser, a former tabloid journalist, turned covert agent for the Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) when she discovered she had the gift of second sight.
Supernaturals from all over the world have gathered at the Regor Regency Hotel in New York for the Centennial Supernatural Summit: three days of negotiations culminating in a treaty signing. Agent Makenna Fraser of SPI is there with her team to provide security. Nothing ever goes smoothly for her when supernaturals are involved though. Before all the delegates have even arrived, monsters start appearing around the hotel, attacking and disappearing into thin air. Just as Mac and her partner Ian Byrne are starting to investigate the monsters, she finds a body. Then something magical traps everyone inside the hotel.
The Myth Manifestation is written rather well. The action is non-stop and the monsters are as diverse as they are frightening. All of the SPI agents from previous books appear in this installment. Rake Danscu, Mac's maybe-boyfriend and the host of the Summit makes a return, but he's not nearly as charming when he’s keeping secrets from her.
All in all, The Myth Manifestation is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Supernaturals from all over the world have gathered at the Regor Regency Hotel in New York for the Centennial Supernatural Summit: three days of negotiations culminating in a treaty signing. Agent Makenna Fraser of SPI is there with her team to provide security. Nothing ever goes smoothly for her when supernaturals are involved though. Before all the delegates have even arrived, monsters start appearing around the hotel, attacking and disappearing into thin air. Just as Mac and her partner Ian Byrne are starting to investigate the monsters, she finds a body. Then something magical traps everyone inside the hotel.
The Myth Manifestation is written rather well. The action is non-stop and the monsters are as diverse as they are frightening. All of the SPI agents from previous books appear in this installment. Rake Danscu, Mac's maybe-boyfriend and the host of the Summit makes a return, but he's not nearly as charming when he’s keeping secrets from her.
All in all, The Myth Manifestation is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
January 18, 2018
Posted on A Book Obsession
I know I say this in every time a read a new book in this world, but I absolutely love this series. It's just so much fun, and has a fantastic set of characters in a very rich world. I know every time I pick one of these books up I'm guaranteed an excellent read, and THE MYTH MANIFESTATION was no exception. Of course we have the usual fun from the excellent cast of characters and the bits of snark and humor had me bursting out loud. But this time, the plot really stole the show for me. It felt like a cross between a murder mystery and an escape room, and all the hi-jinx involved there-in. Add that to the fact that all of the very many species in this rich world were all locked in the same place together, and it made for one heck of a read.
I foolishly started this book in the late evening thinking "oh I'll just read a few chapters and then go to bed." WRONG! I wound up staying up until the wee hours just to finish as I couldn't get enough. Let me tell you the next morning came quick on just a few hours of sleep, but it was well worth it. So a word of warning, don't start this book unless you have a solid block set aside as you simply will not be able to put it down.
All in all I cannot praise THE MYTH MANIFESTATION enough. I loved every single moment of this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I'll be counting down the days for sure! Fans of the series are sure to be pleased!
I know I say this in every time a read a new book in this world, but I absolutely love this series. It's just so much fun, and has a fantastic set of characters in a very rich world. I know every time I pick one of these books up I'm guaranteed an excellent read, and THE MYTH MANIFESTATION was no exception. Of course we have the usual fun from the excellent cast of characters and the bits of snark and humor had me bursting out loud. But this time, the plot really stole the show for me. It felt like a cross between a murder mystery and an escape room, and all the hi-jinx involved there-in. Add that to the fact that all of the very many species in this rich world were all locked in the same place together, and it made for one heck of a read.
I foolishly started this book in the late evening thinking "oh I'll just read a few chapters and then go to bed." WRONG! I wound up staying up until the wee hours just to finish as I couldn't get enough. Let me tell you the next morning came quick on just a few hours of sleep, but it was well worth it. So a word of warning, don't start this book unless you have a solid block set aside as you simply will not be able to put it down.
All in all I cannot praise THE MYTH MANIFESTATION enough. I loved every single moment of this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I'll be counting down the days for sure! Fans of the series are sure to be pleased!
January 21, 2018
I loved it, as usual. I mean, I completely blitzed through it, and finished it in a single afternoon... I just couldn't take my attention off it.
I honestly love Lisa Shearin's books. She has definitely become an auto-buy author for me.
If I were to offer the tiniest quibble in this review, it was that I don't understand how Mac was without her partner for 99% of it. I'm okay with not shipping Mac/Ian, but I love their partnership, and that relationship has been the bedrock for the series. Ian was barely in this book at all, and Mac was constantly in dangerous situations (doing her job, not being TSTL) without him, and it just didn't sit right to me. They are still partners. And protecting the seer is still critical for SPI. So I don't understand why he was constantly off doing his own thing (offscreen) and leaving her to do her thing.
But it's a quibble. I liked the book very much. And I enjoyed the crossover from the Raine Benares series (yay Mago!), which is unquestionably my favorite Shearin series.
More, please!
I honestly love Lisa Shearin's books. She has definitely become an auto-buy author for me.
If I were to offer the tiniest quibble in this review, it was that I don't understand how Mac was without her partner for 99% of it. I'm okay with not shipping Mac/Ian, but I love their partnership, and that relationship has been the bedrock for the series. Ian was barely in this book at all, and Mac was constantly in dangerous situations (doing her job, not being TSTL) without him, and it just didn't sit right to me. They are still partners. And protecting the seer is still critical for SPI. So I don't understand why he was constantly off doing his own thing (offscreen) and leaving her to do her thing.
But it's a quibble. I liked the book very much. And I enjoyed the crossover from the Raine Benares series (yay Mago!), which is unquestionably my favorite Shearin series.
More, please!
October 1, 2018
Carino, ma l'ambientazione asfittica (si svolge tutto in un albergo) rende gli avvenimenti un po' ripetitivi.
Mi spiace che Ian abbia una parte minore nella narrazione. Mai amato troppo la svolta sentimentale della protagonista che trovo tutto sommato banale. Il cattivo ragazzo riformato ormai mi ha stufato. Letto già troppe volte. Pazienza.
Comunque una simpativa lettura senza pensieri.
Cute, but the settings (everything takes place in a hotel) makes the events a bit repetitive.
I miss Ian a lot. Here he has a minor part due to the sentimental change of mind of the author. The reformed bad boy becaming the best of boyfriends is a little boring as storyline for my tastes. I've read it too many times already, unfortunately.
Mi spiace che Ian abbia una parte minore nella narrazione. Mai amato troppo la svolta sentimentale della protagonista che trovo tutto sommato banale. Il cattivo ragazzo riformato ormai mi ha stufato. Letto già troppe volte. Pazienza.
Comunque una simpativa lettura senza pensieri.
Cute, but the settings (everything takes place in a hotel) makes the events a bit repetitive.
I miss Ian a lot. Here he has a minor part due to the sentimental change of mind of the author. The reformed bad boy becaming the best of boyfriends is a little boring as storyline for my tastes. I've read it too many times already, unfortunately.
January 20, 2018
Yay! Another installment of the SPI Files!
My favorite part about the Myth Manifestation is that it is a locked-room mystery. I got a kick every time another character sputtered "That's impossible!" Shades of the Princess Bride indeed! OK. Neither magic nor tech works. So now how will you get rid of the bad guy party-crashers!?!
I really enjoy urban fantasy police procedurals. Well, not just ordinary cops. But acting as security nonetheless. I enjoy having so MANY different alien races show up and interact. I particularly like the SPI New York crew.
New readers would enjoy picking up any of the books in this series. (This is book five so you need to start at the beginning, you only need to read the first four.)
Highly recommended!
My favorite part about the Myth Manifestation is that it is a locked-room mystery. I got a kick every time another character sputtered "That's impossible!" Shades of the Princess Bride indeed! OK. Neither magic nor tech works. So now how will you get rid of the bad guy party-crashers!?!
I really enjoy urban fantasy police procedurals. Well, not just ordinary cops. But acting as security nonetheless. I enjoy having so MANY different alien races show up and interact. I particularly like the SPI New York crew.
New readers would enjoy picking up any of the books in this series. (This is book five so you need to start at the beginning, you only need to read the first four.)
Highly recommended!
January 28, 2018
I'm not sure why all of those from SPI didn't expect things to things to get out of control at this important summit. Sure it seemed like they were prepared, but quickly things got out of hand. No one really knew what to do, things came out of no where and went back to no where. It was to see everyone try to work things out. When they did get the main part figure out it was a bit shocking, no place was safe or not contaminated. I did like how they were able to catch the bad guys and how they were punished.
January 19, 2018
Oh I liked this one. Books by Ms. Shearin are always filled with action and adventure and this was no exception. But underneath all of the intrigue and fighting, threads of honor and respect and a desire to become a better person can be found. It was great seeing the crossover characters from the Raine Benares series and I loved meeting up with old friends from pervious books. Makenna was in fine form with her wit and humor as was Rake. I think I laughed more while reading this book than previous ones. All in all, I found it very satisfying and am looking forward to seeing where the next story takes us.
February 7, 2018
The Myth Manifestation may have been released today. I may have also finished it today so suffice it to say that I really like this series. It is a little slow insofar as the action keeps getting in the way of the character development, a weird sentence, I admit but I am not a patient person people! (Rake! Makena... enquiring minds want to know!).
Anyway, all in all, it’s another sleep depriving offering from Shearin who must be in league with my cat who also seems to conspire against my sleep. Good thing I am fans of both. 😊
I haven’t started her Raine Benares series which is a fraternal twin to this one but almost certainly will at some point. Solid urban fantasy with great action and truly inventive plots.
Loved it, can I have the next one please?
Anyway, all in all, it’s another sleep depriving offering from Shearin who must be in league with my cat who also seems to conspire against my sleep. Good thing I am fans of both. 😊
I haven’t started her Raine Benares series which is a fraternal twin to this one but almost certainly will at some point. Solid urban fantasy with great action and truly inventive plots.
Loved it, can I have the next one please?
December 3, 2023
Book five sees SPI staff trying to provide additional security for a supernatural convention involving elves and goblins, which becomes a more difficult when monstrous creatures from the various delegations' home worlds start turning up in the convention hotel through mysterious means.
As always, a thoroughly fun ride.
As always, a thoroughly fun ride.
March 28, 2018
A pleasure, as always, to revisit The SPI Files. Lisa Shearin always brings it—and by it I mean that combination of humour and serious situations in need of ass-kicking that results in delightful urban fantasy stories. The tone might be light, but the stakes are often high. This the kind of series you can easily devour over a week or two yet keep coming back to time and again.
Mac and Ian are back at it again, this time guarding the biggest supernatural convention of the century. The Myth Manifestation promises mayhem and chaos when the convention hotel, owned and operated by none other than Mac’s goblin love interest, Rake Danescu, is isolated by malevolent forces. As the eponymous manifested myths keep attacking guests, and with SPI’s agents cut off from contact with the outside world, it’s up to the team inside to figure out who is responsible, how they’re doing it, and how to stop them. The clock is ticking, because if they don’t get out of this, the balance of the supernatural world on Earth could be forever altered. Oh, and even if they do, the balance on another world might forever be altered.
I love how closely intertwined this series has become with Shearin’s Raine Benares series. What began as mere hints in the first book has blossomed, with events in the other series being referenced and having ramifications for events here. In this case, the growing instability in Raine’s world means problems for this one, specifically for the goblin and elf colonies here. And the antagonist in The Myth Manifestation really just wants to perfect a weapon that they could then deploy in Raine’s world. Oh noes!
The political intrigue here, the background, is my favourite part. I appreciate how Mac is so deeply involved in these high-stakes situations. Suddenly she has gone from being SPI’s newest hire to dating this shady goblin who is higher and higher up the goblin chain of command every time we see him, and now she’s working with him to achieve things that directly affect the power structure of his world. This is a very skilful way of making a “nobody” type protagonist important without just thrusting the mantle of Chosen One upon them.
Mac’s growth is really nice to see as well. The Myth Manifestation continues to highlight her inexperience in combat. She wields paint guns to mark targets, and she can get creative with her … weapons. But she still hasn’t become a badass fighter. I’m so interested to see how Shearing further develops this aspect of Mac’s character and whether by book 8 or 9 we’ll see Mac facing off more and more confidently and competently against physical foes.
Alas, after so much of the last book focusing on him, Ian seems to be a bit sidelined here. By that I mean he’s present, obviously, and he contributes—a little—but there’s relatively few scenes between Mac and Ian. It’s mostly Mac/Rake, or Mac poking around and consulting other characters, like Kenji. Ian gets a little page time but otherwise exists very much in a background, supporting role, which is not something I’m used to. Not sure how I feel about it, but I’m sure it’s an anomaly. Again, I really like that Shearin has the two series leads falling for other people instead of each other. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like my Mac/Ian banter!
There’s a decent amount of action in The Myth Manifestation, and creatively enough done considering the restricted setting. I guess if I have to single out any particular reason I didn’t like this quite as much as the previous instalments, it’s just that it feels a little less grand in scope. The setting, Ian’s diminished involvement, etc., all sort of make this a perfectly OK volume, but I’ve definitely had better SPI Files. Still, I’m no less excited for the next volume, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Shearin has cooked up next for Mac and Ian. (I don’t really care about Rake.)
My reviews of the SPI Files:
← The Ghoul Vendetta
Mac and Ian are back at it again, this time guarding the biggest supernatural convention of the century. The Myth Manifestation promises mayhem and chaos when the convention hotel, owned and operated by none other than Mac’s goblin love interest, Rake Danescu, is isolated by malevolent forces. As the eponymous manifested myths keep attacking guests, and with SPI’s agents cut off from contact with the outside world, it’s up to the team inside to figure out who is responsible, how they’re doing it, and how to stop them. The clock is ticking, because if they don’t get out of this, the balance of the supernatural world on Earth could be forever altered. Oh, and even if they do, the balance on another world might forever be altered.
I love how closely intertwined this series has become with Shearin’s Raine Benares series. What began as mere hints in the first book has blossomed, with events in the other series being referenced and having ramifications for events here. In this case, the growing instability in Raine’s world means problems for this one, specifically for the goblin and elf colonies here. And the antagonist in The Myth Manifestation really just wants to perfect a weapon that they could then deploy in Raine’s world. Oh noes!
The political intrigue here, the background, is my favourite part. I appreciate how Mac is so deeply involved in these high-stakes situations. Suddenly she has gone from being SPI’s newest hire to dating this shady goblin who is higher and higher up the goblin chain of command every time we see him, and now she’s working with him to achieve things that directly affect the power structure of his world. This is a very skilful way of making a “nobody” type protagonist important without just thrusting the mantle of Chosen One upon them.
Mac’s growth is really nice to see as well. The Myth Manifestation continues to highlight her inexperience in combat. She wields paint guns to mark targets, and she can get creative with her … weapons. But she still hasn’t become a badass fighter. I’m so interested to see how Shearing further develops this aspect of Mac’s character and whether by book 8 or 9 we’ll see Mac facing off more and more confidently and competently against physical foes.
Alas, after so much of the last book focusing on him, Ian seems to be a bit sidelined here. By that I mean he’s present, obviously, and he contributes—a little—but there’s relatively few scenes between Mac and Ian. It’s mostly Mac/Rake, or Mac poking around and consulting other characters, like Kenji. Ian gets a little page time but otherwise exists very much in a background, supporting role, which is not something I’m used to. Not sure how I feel about it, but I’m sure it’s an anomaly. Again, I really like that Shearin has the two series leads falling for other people instead of each other. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like my Mac/Ian banter!
There’s a decent amount of action in The Myth Manifestation, and creatively enough done considering the restricted setting. I guess if I have to single out any particular reason I didn’t like this quite as much as the previous instalments, it’s just that it feels a little less grand in scope. The setting, Ian’s diminished involvement, etc., all sort of make this a perfectly OK volume, but I’ve definitely had better SPI Files. Still, I’m no less excited for the next volume, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Shearin has cooked up next for Mac and Ian. (I don’t really care about Rake.)
My reviews of the SPI Files:
← The Ghoul Vendetta
August 7, 2019
Dans l'ensemble c'était un tome très sympa, en huis clos vu que nos héros sont "enfermés" dans une hôtel par une force inconnue en plein milieu d'un sommet diplomatique surnaturel qui a lieu tout les 100 ans (sans communication avec l’extérieur alors qu'il sont en plein New York).
En plus d'être enfermés, des manifestations normalement très rares de différents mythes et légendes des différents peuples présents au sommet se produisent dans l’hôtel et semblent venir de nulle part.
Nos héros vont devoir trouver la solution de l'énigme et vite parce que la plupart des manifestations ne sont pas pacifistes. Par exemple des espèces de Yeti extrêmement en colère arrivent dans la salle de Bal juste avant l'entrée des invités ...
Ça me fait aussi plaisir que l'intrigue continue sur le coté "mondes parallèles". En fait la majorité des surnaturels présents sont des créatures d'autres mondes qui sont arrivés chez nous soit par hasard soit pas du tout.
Le tout donne un coté très étrange à l'ensemble et un coté original qui change un peu. Je pense que c'est ce coté la qui distingue cette série de pas mal d'autres du genre. A chaque fois on sort de l'imaginaire habituel pour explorer autre chose.
Les personnages continuent à être attachants, et me font passer un excellent moment.
A chaque fois j'ai envie d'aller plus vite pour lire la suite de la série mais je me rappelle qu'il n'y a pas tant de tomes que ça donc je les espace un peu plus pour pouvoir en profiter plus longtemps.
16/20
En plus d'être enfermés, des manifestations normalement très rares de différents mythes et légendes des différents peuples présents au sommet se produisent dans l’hôtel et semblent venir de nulle part.
Nos héros vont devoir trouver la solution de l'énigme et vite parce que la plupart des manifestations ne sont pas pacifistes. Par exemple des espèces de Yeti extrêmement en colère arrivent dans la salle de Bal juste avant l'entrée des invités ...
Ça me fait aussi plaisir que l'intrigue continue sur le coté "mondes parallèles". En fait la majorité des surnaturels présents sont des créatures d'autres mondes qui sont arrivés chez nous soit par hasard soit pas du tout.
Le tout donne un coté très étrange à l'ensemble et un coté original qui change un peu. Je pense que c'est ce coté la qui distingue cette série de pas mal d'autres du genre. A chaque fois on sort de l'imaginaire habituel pour explorer autre chose.
Les personnages continuent à être attachants, et me font passer un excellent moment.
A chaque fois j'ai envie d'aller plus vite pour lire la suite de la série mais je me rappelle qu'il n'y a pas tant de tomes que ça donc je les espace un peu plus pour pouvoir en profiter plus longtemps.
16/20
January 5, 2025
Reread Audio
Always enjoy it more in this format, bump to 4.5*
I really enjoyed this, we got some more quality with other side characters here
I wasn't terribly surprised at who the baddy was but I still enjoyed the action and the creatures
That ending tho....really really looking forward to the next book :)
Will re-read when the audio comes out, this is one series I enjoy even more listening to
Always enjoy it more in this format, bump to 4.5*
I really enjoyed this, we got some more quality with other side characters here
I wasn't terribly surprised at who the baddy was but I still enjoyed the action and the creatures
That ending tho....really really looking forward to the next book :)
Will re-read when the audio comes out, this is one series I enjoy even more listening to
October 9, 2021
I adore Lisa Shearin's writing! Funny, spooky, sexy, and always entertaining. Myth Manifestation was no exception. Ian and Mac have another disaster on their hands and things don't look good.
I can't wait to see where Mac goes next and I sincerely hope she cranks up the heat with one sexy goblin;).
I can't wait to see where Mac goes next and I sincerely hope she cranks up the heat with one sexy goblin;).
February 10, 2018
The Myth Manifestation (SPI Files 5)
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: NLA Digital LLC
Page count: 300pp
Release date: 16th Jan 2018
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
The fifth in the SPI Files series starts in , and Agent Mac Fraser has been working with her partner Agent Ian Byrne for over a year now, developing a strong friendship and bond. In the first book, there was a hint of sexual tension between them, but as the series has developed, so have the predominant characters. Ian is now dating dryad/supernatural debunker Kylie, and Mac is dating goblin Rake. The name choice is deliberate I think - he is rather rakish.
SPI, the agency of the title, is a government agency with its HQ in New York, which acts as the supernatural equivalent of the FBI/CIA etc dealing with supernatural or mythical crimes whilst protecting innocent supernatural creatures and the general, unaware, human population.
Mac, the narrator, is a seer - she can see through the glamour or ‘face’ used by supernaturals to the veneer underneath. Now, I know some people say their boss is a dragon - well, in Mac’s case, she’s telling the truth.
So where the varied staff of SPI see boss Vivienne Sagadraco as a petite, glamorous older woman, Mac sees the three storey tall dragon that their boss actually is. Apart from that little fact, she’s a pretty cool boss, assisted ably in her job by centuries old vampire Alain Moreau.
In the last book, Vivienne had a well deserved holiday, leaving poor old Alain Moreau to deal with an otherworldly invasion of creatures from the black lagoon. Mac, whose defence and combat skills are growing, got some ass-kicking in in The Ghoul Vendetta, but as she says herself, she’s the one who finds the monsters then the commando teams led primarily by Roy and Sandra are sent in; “I’m like one of those little dogs who chases big trucks. In my case, though, the big trucks are bloodthirsty monsters.”
I was curious to see where this particular novel was going to go. Apart from the progression of the series, the cliffhangers and discoveries in the last book and the myriad of creatures put on show, there has been a change in publisher. Suffice to say, I’m not going to comment much other than being impressed that it looks like the same cover designer. And, this is my favourite cover yet - shot in glorious tentacle-colour. See what I did there?
This novel starts at the Regor Regency Hotel in Lower Manhattan, where select agents have been invited as “Exactly one hundred years ago this week, an agreement had been drafted to keep the off-world population from exploding and the humans of Earth from finding out about any of it. The terms of that agreement expired this week.”
In the 1900s, Earth became a sanctuary for other species. The lawyers had hashed out the agreements and everyone was gathered to sign the accords - a bit like an old Star Trek episode where bedlam could explode, SPI were there to make sure everyone lived, or at least stayed un-living. The goblins and elves were there, but vampires and werewolves got their own meetings. In fact there’s even an Ambassador Soren.
All geared up for work, Kitty, Ian, the Commandos and Rake are called urgently to the ballroom before the conference can start, by the arrival of goblin monsters ‘buka’ which appear out of nowhere and try to kidnap Rake.
The question remains; is this a personal vendetta against the powerful goblin, or is someone trying to put the kybosh on the signing of the accords?
As you’d expect with a SPI Files novel, mayhem ensues.
Rake is rescued but injured, the hotel is sealed in a magical lockdown by the evil doers, mythical creatures are materialising all over the hotel, no warning, to attack, maim or kill delegates. These range from small but irritating dwarven beer monsters to giant scorpions and sea serpents of sorts.
Whilst Mac, Ian and the team join forces with Rake and his security to find out what’s imprisoning them before food, or worse, beer, runs out, Boss Dragon Lady Vivienne Sagadraco sips her tea and manages the whole summit.
There are twists, turns, danger, romance, action but more importantly- lots of fun. This fifth instalment is laugh out loud funny, and I got the feeling Shearin has let herself go wild with this one.
I can’t wait to see where she goes with the sixth outing now that Rake has a kind of ‘promotion’ and inter species war and intrigue are foreshadowed.
Brilliantly addictive urban fantasy series.
5/5
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: NLA Digital LLC
Page count: 300pp
Release date: 16th Jan 2018
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
The fifth in the SPI Files series starts in , and Agent Mac Fraser has been working with her partner Agent Ian Byrne for over a year now, developing a strong friendship and bond. In the first book, there was a hint of sexual tension between them, but as the series has developed, so have the predominant characters. Ian is now dating dryad/supernatural debunker Kylie, and Mac is dating goblin Rake. The name choice is deliberate I think - he is rather rakish.
SPI, the agency of the title, is a government agency with its HQ in New York, which acts as the supernatural equivalent of the FBI/CIA etc dealing with supernatural or mythical crimes whilst protecting innocent supernatural creatures and the general, unaware, human population.
Mac, the narrator, is a seer - she can see through the glamour or ‘face’ used by supernaturals to the veneer underneath. Now, I know some people say their boss is a dragon - well, in Mac’s case, she’s telling the truth.
So where the varied staff of SPI see boss Vivienne Sagadraco as a petite, glamorous older woman, Mac sees the three storey tall dragon that their boss actually is. Apart from that little fact, she’s a pretty cool boss, assisted ably in her job by centuries old vampire Alain Moreau.
In the last book, Vivienne had a well deserved holiday, leaving poor old Alain Moreau to deal with an otherworldly invasion of creatures from the black lagoon. Mac, whose defence and combat skills are growing, got some ass-kicking in in The Ghoul Vendetta, but as she says herself, she’s the one who finds the monsters then the commando teams led primarily by Roy and Sandra are sent in; “I’m like one of those little dogs who chases big trucks. In my case, though, the big trucks are bloodthirsty monsters.”
I was curious to see where this particular novel was going to go. Apart from the progression of the series, the cliffhangers and discoveries in the last book and the myriad of creatures put on show, there has been a change in publisher. Suffice to say, I’m not going to comment much other than being impressed that it looks like the same cover designer. And, this is my favourite cover yet - shot in glorious tentacle-colour. See what I did there?
This novel starts at the Regor Regency Hotel in Lower Manhattan, where select agents have been invited as “Exactly one hundred years ago this week, an agreement had been drafted to keep the off-world population from exploding and the humans of Earth from finding out about any of it. The terms of that agreement expired this week.”
In the 1900s, Earth became a sanctuary for other species. The lawyers had hashed out the agreements and everyone was gathered to sign the accords - a bit like an old Star Trek episode where bedlam could explode, SPI were there to make sure everyone lived, or at least stayed un-living. The goblins and elves were there, but vampires and werewolves got their own meetings. In fact there’s even an Ambassador Soren.
All geared up for work, Kitty, Ian, the Commandos and Rake are called urgently to the ballroom before the conference can start, by the arrival of goblin monsters ‘buka’ which appear out of nowhere and try to kidnap Rake.
The question remains; is this a personal vendetta against the powerful goblin, or is someone trying to put the kybosh on the signing of the accords?
As you’d expect with a SPI Files novel, mayhem ensues.
Rake is rescued but injured, the hotel is sealed in a magical lockdown by the evil doers, mythical creatures are materialising all over the hotel, no warning, to attack, maim or kill delegates. These range from small but irritating dwarven beer monsters to giant scorpions and sea serpents of sorts.
Whilst Mac, Ian and the team join forces with Rake and his security to find out what’s imprisoning them before food, or worse, beer, runs out, Boss Dragon Lady Vivienne Sagadraco sips her tea and manages the whole summit.
There are twists, turns, danger, romance, action but more importantly- lots of fun. This fifth instalment is laugh out loud funny, and I got the feeling Shearin has let herself go wild with this one.
I can’t wait to see where she goes with the sixth outing now that Rake has a kind of ‘promotion’ and inter species war and intrigue are foreshadowed.
Brilliantly addictive urban fantasy series.
5/5
March 27, 2018
This book was a pleasant surprise, since for some reason I thought the series was over. I really enjoyed this story, so I'm happy to say that's not the case.
One of my favorite things about this series is how Makenna is allowed to be normal, for lack of a better word. Joining SPI didn't magically turn her into some sort of super fighter, like you normally see in books like these. She knows her limits and doesn't get in the way of people who have more experience. But Makenna is also very brave, and she's not afraid to step up to the plate and distract the monsters to help save the day. I admire that Makenna still goes out with the teams even when she's terrified.
I like how the plot in this book kicked off a new plot arc. The major villain in the last couple books was Ian's faux ghoul. Now that he's been defeated, the books need a new source of conflict. SPI is in charge of providing protection for interspecies peace talks. But predictably all hell breaks lose when monsters start appearing randomly in the hotel and attacking guests, threatening to derail the convention. Makenna and co. have to figure out how to free the hotel before any chance of peace is destroyed.
Previously, the SPI files mentioned other dimensions but only dealt with subjects on Earth. Now we get a hint of the trouble brewing off in elf and goblin territory, which fans of the Raine Benares series already know about. I love series crossovers, and always feel a little thrill when a character I recognize pops up. (If you haven't read the Raine books, don't worry. You don't need to know anything about them.) This new villain appears to be every bit as dangerous and crafty as the last one (Janus, I think?) so I look forward to seeing how Makenna and the rest of SPI deal with it.
The romance between Rake and Makenna progresses a bit in this book, but to be honest I'm not very invested in their story. I am always a sucker for a bad boy character and Rake definitely fits, but the chemistry between him and Makenna feels a bit forced. I think part of the problem is we never see any meaningful interaction between them on the page. So far I've only read about Rake flirting his ass off and Makenna's lukewarm response; we never get to see any real conversation or read about them going on a date.
The only other real complaint I have is the way the author over explains Makenna's point of view. At one point Makenna talks about needing to hear the monsters coming, but how it won't matter if the monsters catch them. Because they'll be dead, and they can't hear if they're dead. Like yep, we get it, dead people can't hear. Shearin just has this tendency to repeat herself to emphasize a point instead of letting readers figure it out themselves.
Overall, I really enjoyed this latest installment of the SPI files and definitely intend to continue the series.
One of my favorite things about this series is how Makenna is allowed to be normal, for lack of a better word. Joining SPI didn't magically turn her into some sort of super fighter, like you normally see in books like these. She knows her limits and doesn't get in the way of people who have more experience. But Makenna is also very brave, and she's not afraid to step up to the plate and distract the monsters to help save the day. I admire that Makenna still goes out with the teams even when she's terrified.
I like how the plot in this book kicked off a new plot arc. The major villain in the last couple books was Ian's faux ghoul. Now that he's been defeated, the books need a new source of conflict. SPI is in charge of providing protection for interspecies peace talks. But predictably all hell breaks lose when monsters start appearing randomly in the hotel and attacking guests, threatening to derail the convention. Makenna and co. have to figure out how to free the hotel before any chance of peace is destroyed.
Previously, the SPI files mentioned other dimensions but only dealt with subjects on Earth. Now we get a hint of the trouble brewing off in elf and goblin territory, which fans of the Raine Benares series already know about. I love series crossovers, and always feel a little thrill when a character I recognize pops up. (If you haven't read the Raine books, don't worry. You don't need to know anything about them.) This new villain appears to be every bit as dangerous and crafty as the last one (Janus, I think?) so I look forward to seeing how Makenna and the rest of SPI deal with it.
The romance between Rake and Makenna progresses a bit in this book, but to be honest I'm not very invested in their story. I am always a sucker for a bad boy character and Rake definitely fits, but the chemistry between him and Makenna feels a bit forced. I think part of the problem is we never see any meaningful interaction between them on the page. So far I've only read about Rake flirting his ass off and Makenna's lukewarm response; we never get to see any real conversation or read about them going on a date.
The only other real complaint I have is the way the author over explains Makenna's point of view. At one point Makenna talks about needing to hear the monsters coming, but how it won't matter if the monsters catch them. Because they'll be dead, and they can't hear if they're dead. Like yep, we get it, dead people can't hear. Shearin just has this tendency to repeat herself to emphasize a point instead of letting readers figure it out themselves.
Overall, I really enjoyed this latest installment of the SPI files and definitely intend to continue the series.
April 7, 2020
As I have given this book 4 stars I obviously enjoyed it.
The book is nice overall. A different mystery. a different day, different adventure.
But I do feel that The books could do more with the characters in each adventure. I understand that a novel needs to be a cohesive whole and the scenes need to fit together. however somehow I feel it in the other books or at least the beginning of this series, perhaps more world building was required that's why we saw more character moments that actually meant anything.
I really do feel that something is missing from the books. The whole romance with Raje is interesting but somehow I'm still not convinced. I don't feel that he is too good for her or she is too good for him. I just don't see them together.
Another thing is that in book one she kissed her partner Ian. I am glad that in book to it was clarified that they decided not to follow through but still I feel like that was resolved a little too easily. That without reading lucky charms from 1 to book to 2, there is suddenly this other love interest.
I wish this Book spent a bit more time with them together. what they all mean to each other. definitely more Ian and perhaps more adventure as opposed to the main character just letting us know what had happen.
Also I don't need to have the main character to be prosecuted so we feel bad for her to connect with her that way by defending her, but I mean I feel like she was more of a special snowflake in this book.
Everyone is going on and on about how clever she is, for making the most logical leaps in logic.
There is also a lot of telling as opposed to showing with the action and the magic. All the characters are very fears and hardened battle mages and Navy seals or retired Rangers. However the fight scenes aren't very descriptive. I don't explain with specifications however a book where there are action scenes, I feel action needs to be more detailed and immersive.
Overall if you read book 0.5-4 you will obviously be reading five. I think Facebook can be read as a standalone as well. A lot of recap is done and each character is introduced with as much detail as possible.
I don't think there's any spoilers in my review. If you want to know some of the spoilers please message me separately and I'll try and accommodate.
The book is nice overall. A different mystery. a different day, different adventure.
But I do feel that The books could do more with the characters in each adventure. I understand that a novel needs to be a cohesive whole and the scenes need to fit together. however somehow I feel it in the other books or at least the beginning of this series, perhaps more world building was required that's why we saw more character moments that actually meant anything.
I really do feel that something is missing from the books. The whole romance with Raje is interesting but somehow I'm still not convinced. I don't feel that he is too good for her or she is too good for him. I just don't see them together.
Another thing is that in book one she kissed her partner Ian. I am glad that in book to it was clarified that they decided not to follow through but still I feel like that was resolved a little too easily. That without reading lucky charms from 1 to book to 2, there is suddenly this other love interest.
I wish this Book spent a bit more time with them together. what they all mean to each other. definitely more Ian and perhaps more adventure as opposed to the main character just letting us know what had happen.
Also I don't need to have the main character to be prosecuted so we feel bad for her to connect with her that way by defending her, but I mean I feel like she was more of a special snowflake in this book.
Everyone is going on and on about how clever she is, for making the most logical leaps in logic.
There is also a lot of telling as opposed to showing with the action and the magic. All the characters are very fears and hardened battle mages and Navy seals or retired Rangers. However the fight scenes aren't very descriptive. I don't explain with specifications however a book where there are action scenes, I feel action needs to be more detailed and immersive.
Overall if you read book 0.5-4 you will obviously be reading five. I think Facebook can be read as a standalone as well. A lot of recap is done and each character is introduced with as much detail as possible.
I don't think there's any spoilers in my review. If you want to know some of the spoilers please message me separately and I'll try and accommodate.
June 1, 2022
4.5 stars
The Supernaturals are having a centennial summit in New York to renew their contracts. Naturally, the meeting place is one of the hotels that Rake Danescu owns. Security breaches start to happen at the hotel before most of the delegates show up, beginning with the appearances of bukas, monsters from the Goblin home world. Before long, everybody is locked in the hotel and the mages lose their ability to use magic.
I am not sure why this book is a much more enjoyable read than the previous book, considering they spend about 300 pages stuck in a hotel with no communication in or out. The previous book even has Tuatha Dé Dannan and Ian gets kidnapped! Perhaps the previous book just tries to squeeze so many things in (plot lines, Ian getting kidnapped, cool mythology, mermaids, old enemy, etc.) that it misses the enjoyable part. The Myth Manifestation has a very simple plot. They're stuck in a hotel, being attacked, with no communication.
Makenna is getting a bit too much. Not only she has all these powers, now she also seems to be the one to solve all the mysteries. This is why I like the fact that she shows some weaknesses, by being upset about Rake's neglect and jealous of his previous relationships. At least she is no longer a superhuman. Rake is becoming a more important character than Ian, and he is also becoming more powerful by the day. Before he was just some rich, handsome dark mage who owned a strip club and was the enemy of SPI. Now he is a SPI ally and a superspy billionaire with extremely strong magic, and this book keeps increasing his power/importance...but somehow he likes Mac. I mean, there is nothing wrong with that, but it still seems weird how this was developed. This is almost like any other romance-type novels, where the humble heroine ends up with a handsome powerful billionaire, because apparently that's what every girl dreams of (or something). I do like that Rake shows some vulnerability in this book, getting knocked around and losing his magic.
The Supernaturals are having a centennial summit in New York to renew their contracts. Naturally, the meeting place is one of the hotels that Rake Danescu owns. Security breaches start to happen at the hotel before most of the delegates show up, beginning with the appearances of bukas, monsters from the Goblin home world. Before long, everybody is locked in the hotel and the mages lose their ability to use magic.
I am not sure why this book is a much more enjoyable read than the previous book, considering they spend about 300 pages stuck in a hotel with no communication in or out. The previous book even has Tuatha Dé Dannan and Ian gets kidnapped! Perhaps the previous book just tries to squeeze so many things in (plot lines, Ian getting kidnapped, cool mythology, mermaids, old enemy, etc.) that it misses the enjoyable part. The Myth Manifestation has a very simple plot. They're stuck in a hotel, being attacked, with no communication.
Makenna is getting a bit too much. Not only she has all these powers, now she also seems to be the one to solve all the mysteries. This is why I like the fact that she shows some weaknesses, by being upset about Rake's neglect and jealous of his previous relationships. At least she is no longer a superhuman. Rake is becoming a more important character than Ian, and he is also becoming more powerful by the day. Before he was just some rich, handsome dark mage who owned a strip club and was the enemy of SPI. Now he is a SPI ally and a superspy billionaire with extremely strong magic, and this book keeps increasing his power/importance...but somehow he likes Mac. I mean, there is nothing wrong with that, but it still seems weird how this was developed. This is almost like any other romance-type novels, where the humble heroine ends up with a handsome powerful billionaire, because apparently that's what every girl dreams of (or something). I do like that Rake shows some vulnerability in this book, getting knocked around and losing his magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews