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Blue Unicorn #3
The Burning Magus
JT was a perfectly happy orc building cars in the Arizona desert until his old friend and sometimes lover Austin showed up and talked him into one last crime. Now “one last crime” has snowballed. With a new team of thieves—a supersoldier, a hacker, a driver, a graffiti artist, and a seafaring wizard—JT and Austin are determined to free an artificial intelligence from the dungeon of the Burning Magus.
For JT, this job is more than a prison break; it’s a do-over of The Job That Went Bad two years ago, the catastrophe in which JT lost his closest friend and then chose to abandon everything, even Austin. Maybe this time no one will die. Maybe this time JT can return to Arizona and bury his old life for good.
Except Austin won’t be buried. After two years alone, Austin knows he wants JT—not just as a partner in crime, but as the lover he always should have been. Maybe this time they won’t make the same mistakes, especially when it comes to each other.
Word 58,000; page 219
For JT, this job is more than a prison break; it’s a do-over of The Job That Went Bad two years ago, the catastrophe in which JT lost his closest friend and then chose to abandon everything, even Austin. Maybe this time no one will die. Maybe this time JT can return to Arizona and bury his old life for good.
Except Austin won’t be buried. After two years alone, Austin knows he wants JT—not just as a partner in crime, but as the lover he always should have been. Maybe this time they won’t make the same mistakes, especially when it comes to each other.
Word 58,000; page 219
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2018
3 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2020
4 Series Stars!
This 3rd and final installment returns the reader back to orc JT and elf Austin, and they’re more determined than ever to save the Blue Unicorn from an evil mage hell bent on using it for selfish reasons.
Half this book revolves around the complicated planning and preparation as to how this team of misfits will breach said mage’s fortress as it’s magically and technologically fortified, guarded by a dragon, and situated within the infamous Alcatraz island. Toss in several hundred devoted wizards who are gathering on the island to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and it’s going to take a miracle to pull this off. The other half of the book is the actual burglary, which brings complication after complication, keeping the reader on edge as to how a win will be wrought.
Since we’re back with the original couple that started this trilogy, again as a warning, this isn’t traditional second chance romance when it comes to JT and Austin. Don’t fret though. There’s reasons, and we slowly discover why they are the way they are. They’re still not communicating, they’re still avoiding their feelings so they don’t look vulnerable, but this last book shows more of their complex history and what happened during that fateful day where they lost half their team and why they ultimately went their separate ways. JT and Austin’s love is special and different, and it works perfectly for them.
In keeping with the frenetic pace of the first two books, it will come as no surprise that this never falters on the action suspense as these two fight to retrieve a priceless part of their past and hopefully, find some redemption and closure in order to move on and heal. Overall, an original intense cyberpunk, magical, crazy heist peppered with smexy explicitness as par for the course that includes exhibitionism, voyeurism, and a dalliance with a bunch of tentacles (eeeep!).
If you want something a bit off the beaten path, then come on over and buckle in for an unconventional MM romance!
This 3rd and final installment returns the reader back to orc JT and elf Austin, and they’re more determined than ever to save the Blue Unicorn from an evil mage hell bent on using it for selfish reasons.
Half this book revolves around the complicated planning and preparation as to how this team of misfits will breach said mage’s fortress as it’s magically and technologically fortified, guarded by a dragon, and situated within the infamous Alcatraz island. Toss in several hundred devoted wizards who are gathering on the island to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and it’s going to take a miracle to pull this off. The other half of the book is the actual burglary, which brings complication after complication, keeping the reader on edge as to how a win will be wrought.
Since we’re back with the original couple that started this trilogy, again as a warning, this isn’t traditional second chance romance when it comes to JT and Austin. Don’t fret though. There’s reasons, and we slowly discover why they are the way they are. They’re still not communicating, they’re still avoiding their feelings so they don’t look vulnerable, but this last book shows more of their complex history and what happened during that fateful day where they lost half their team and why they ultimately went their separate ways. JT and Austin’s love is special and different, and it works perfectly for them.
In keeping with the frenetic pace of the first two books, it will come as no surprise that this never falters on the action suspense as these two fight to retrieve a priceless part of their past and hopefully, find some redemption and closure in order to move on and heal. Overall, an original intense cyberpunk, magical, crazy heist peppered with smexy explicitness as par for the course that includes exhibitionism, voyeurism, and a dalliance with a bunch of tentacles (eeeep!).
If you want something a bit off the beaten path, then come on over and buckle in for an unconventional MM romance!
November 22, 2018
Maybe if I don't write a review, it's not really over. I really don't want it to be over.
November 22, 2018
Just finished all three books in the Blue Unicorn series. What a great story. First you really do need to read books one and two. You will be lost without them. Now. The whole story deals with an AI. Along with Orcs and Elves also lots of computer stuff.
This book is the conclusion of the story and what happened to Roan.
Which is Austin's sister and friend to JT. They had a job go bad.
We find out more about that situation is this book.
There is also some dark wizards. A bit of romance. Some fun and crazy sex.
Also, tentacle sex!! What a wicked fun read.
You won't be disappointed. Austin and JT are great and there is a corvette too.
Well done.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(NetGalley)
(Thanks)
This book is the conclusion of the story and what happened to Roan.
Which is Austin's sister and friend to JT. They had a job go bad.
We find out more about that situation is this book.
There is also some dark wizards. A bit of romance. Some fun and crazy sex.
Also, tentacle sex!! What a wicked fun read.
You won't be disappointed. Austin and JT are great and there is a corvette too.
Well done.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(NetGalley)
(Thanks)
November 16, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This was a great ending to a trilogy that has been a unique, raunchy, sexually charged, but ultimately sweet mash-up of urban fantasy and cyberpunk.
This final book seemed to have less action than the previous two and a slower pace, but I didn't mind. The characters had some things they needed to sort out, within themselves and with each other. They also had a break-out to plan and prepare for. And there were some chapters that showed us what actually happened during and after The Job That Went Bad. That contributed to the slower pace, but it was important background information because of how it impacted JT and Austin and the current happenings in the story.
There was definitely some sex as well, and some of it was just thrown in there for the hell of it, but the actual sex scenes didn't overtake the story this time the way they somewhat seemed to in the first book. But even when it wasn't happening on-page, the book was very sexually charged, which is not a complaint because that's how all the books have been, and it's fitting for the characters. There was also one scene that was, ahh... a little different.
Tentacles. There were tentacles. Lots of them.
Although the tentacles may have been a bit extreme for my taste, something I liked was how the sex in this book was not perfect and beautiful. It was definitely enjoyable for the characters, but the author didn't shy away from some of the less pretty realities. This was also fitting for the characters because they were not the types to have perfect, pretty, sanitized sex. They were the types to get down and dirty and love it.
Speaking of the characters... I love JT and Austin. I love that they're these rough, tough, criminal, masculine dudes, but they don't suffer from toxic masculinity. They love. They care. They cry. They feel. And I've really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing things through their unique perspectives because they're both so different from me. The fact that they're an orc and a elf just made it even better because I love supernatural creatures (plus the elf glamour was really cool and different from any other way I've ever seen glamour done).
I also loved their relationship. It was not a traditional romance. Things between them have been so taut and difficult since the first book because of the history between them. Mistakes have been made on both sides. But they've always cared about and wanted each other, that much was clear. And they have a great, raw chemistry. And whenever they were honest and open and vulnerable with each other, it was amazing.
There was also the interesting cyberpunk aspect of the story. It was mostly technology that was already in the previous books, but it was still so unique, and the author just throws the reader right into the world and lets you figure things out from context instead of stopping the narrative to explain.
Orcs, elves, advanced technology, crime, evil wizards, sex, romance---this series has been a really interesting combination of things, and I found this to be a satisfying ending to an enjoyable story!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Don Allmon's Blue Unicorn series. Anyone who likes M/M, cyberpunk/urban fantasy mash-ups, uncommon supernatural creatures, and gritty, raunchy, hard-edged characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
This was a great ending to a trilogy that has been a unique, raunchy, sexually charged, but ultimately sweet mash-up of urban fantasy and cyberpunk.
This final book seemed to have less action than the previous two and a slower pace, but I didn't mind. The characters had some things they needed to sort out, within themselves and with each other. They also had a break-out to plan and prepare for. And there were some chapters that showed us what actually happened during and after The Job That Went Bad. That contributed to the slower pace, but it was important background information because of how it impacted JT and Austin and the current happenings in the story.
There was definitely some sex as well, and some of it was just thrown in there for the hell of it, but the actual sex scenes didn't overtake the story this time the way they somewhat seemed to in the first book. But even when it wasn't happening on-page, the book was very sexually charged, which is not a complaint because that's how all the books have been, and it's fitting for the characters. There was also one scene that was, ahh... a little different.
Tentacles. There were tentacles. Lots of them.
Although the tentacles may have been a bit extreme for my taste, something I liked was how the sex in this book was not perfect and beautiful. It was definitely enjoyable for the characters, but the author didn't shy away from some of the less pretty realities. This was also fitting for the characters because they were not the types to have perfect, pretty, sanitized sex. They were the types to get down and dirty and love it.
Speaking of the characters... I love JT and Austin. I love that they're these rough, tough, criminal, masculine dudes, but they don't suffer from toxic masculinity. They love. They care. They cry. They feel. And I've really enjoyed getting to know them and seeing things through their unique perspectives because they're both so different from me. The fact that they're an orc and a elf just made it even better because I love supernatural creatures (plus the elf glamour was really cool and different from any other way I've ever seen glamour done).
I also loved their relationship. It was not a traditional romance. Things between them have been so taut and difficult since the first book because of the history between them. Mistakes have been made on both sides. But they've always cared about and wanted each other, that much was clear. And they have a great, raw chemistry. And whenever they were honest and open and vulnerable with each other, it was amazing.
There was also the interesting cyberpunk aspect of the story. It was mostly technology that was already in the previous books, but it was still so unique, and the author just throws the reader right into the world and lets you figure things out from context instead of stopping the narrative to explain.
Orcs, elves, advanced technology, crime, evil wizards, sex, romance---this series has been a really interesting combination of things, and I found this to be a satisfying ending to an enjoyable story!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Don Allmon's Blue Unicorn series. Anyone who likes M/M, cyberpunk/urban fantasy mash-ups, uncommon supernatural creatures, and gritty, raunchy, hard-edged characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 17, 2018
I don't know how to start this review.
Really.
Genuinely.
It was so much fun!
Yes.
Yes, that's a good start.
I can't remember when I've had so much fun with a series. Or when I've read one when the author clearly takes so much joy in their craft. The word 'rollicking' comes to mind but this is a word I have never said aloud and don't think I ever will so 'pissing myself' will simply have to do.
The author makes no secret of being a role-playing aficionado. And a bit of a video game nerd. And--given undertones of how to be queer, sexy orc--a champion of inclusivity. And other things.
If you haven't read the previous two books, stop right here. No. Really. Stop. I am not going to be responsible for you ruining this experience. Not sure whether to read this? Ha. No. Really, you want to read this. And you want to start book 1 (The Glamour Thieves) where Austin strolls into JT's junkyard in a Hawaiian shirt, delivering a kicka$$ corvette with the sole intention, so it seems, to ogle JT's thighs. But no. That's not what Austin's about. He's about delivering sly smiles that give only the closest insider a hint he's about to lie. Then, he's going to present a JOB (or a few different types of jobs.)
Bring on the drones, the tech, the magic...the injuries.
Book 2 (Apocalypse Alley) introduces (I always have to include 'Daddy') Duke. Mobster. Voyeur. Chef. Buzz from book 1 hooks up with the bionic man...uh...Comet. Finally, we are introduced the baddie Firelight, who makes a formidable foe in book 3 (Burning Magus).
The characters -- good and bad -- are well developed. The pace is FAST. Things are forever going wrong (to my utter delight). And the HEA is superb.
I cannot say enough about this series. I'm utterly smitten. I think you will be, too. I mean, I don't even know you but I take your future love for this series as fact. Let me know if I'm right...
Really.
Genuinely.
It was so much fun!
Yes.
Yes, that's a good start.
I can't remember when I've had so much fun with a series. Or when I've read one when the author clearly takes so much joy in their craft. The word 'rollicking' comes to mind but this is a word I have never said aloud and don't think I ever will so 'pissing myself' will simply have to do.
The author makes no secret of being a role-playing aficionado. And a bit of a video game nerd. And--given undertones of how to be queer, sexy orc--a champion of inclusivity. And other things.
If you haven't read the previous two books, stop right here. No. Really. Stop. I am not going to be responsible for you ruining this experience. Not sure whether to read this? Ha. No. Really, you want to read this. And you want to start book 1 (The Glamour Thieves) where Austin strolls into JT's junkyard in a Hawaiian shirt, delivering a kicka$$ corvette with the sole intention, so it seems, to ogle JT's thighs. But no. That's not what Austin's about. He's about delivering sly smiles that give only the closest insider a hint he's about to lie. Then, he's going to present a JOB (or a few different types of jobs.)
Bring on the drones, the tech, the magic...the injuries.
Book 2 (Apocalypse Alley) introduces (I always have to include 'Daddy') Duke. Mobster. Voyeur. Chef. Buzz from book 1 hooks up with the bionic man...uh...Comet. Finally, we are introduced the baddie Firelight, who makes a formidable foe in book 3 (Burning Magus).
The characters -- good and bad -- are well developed. The pace is FAST. Things are forever going wrong (to my utter delight). And the HEA is superb.
I cannot say enough about this series. I'm utterly smitten. I think you will be, too. I mean, I don't even know you but I take your future love for this series as fact. Let me know if I'm right...
November 20, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Blue Unicorn series is sort of World of Warcraft meets Bladerunner with a dash of Sam Spade. It’s elves and orcs (and unicorns) along with sentient AIs, drones, technomages, and druids. There’s a dragon, a fox made of magic, and corporate-owned police. It sounds like a muddle, but somehow Allmon makes it work. It’s one of my favorite series, and I’m very sad to see it go, but if the story had to come to an end, I’m glad this is how it did it.
Austin and JT had tragic, horrific childhoods. They both suffered abuse — physical, mental, and emotional — and its left its mark on them. Austin can’t handle confrontations. He has to be right. He’ll use anything and everything to get his way — his body, his knives, his friends — and has the morality of a snake. He’s also so very broken. Roan and JT were all he had, and he lost them both. Getting JT back, his first love and his best friend, has become a quest of its own. He’s not sure if this AI, the Blue Unicorn, is his sister or not, but so long as there’s a chance, he’ll take it. He’ll throw them all at the mage who got her killed, risking his own life, if it would bring her back.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Blue Unicorn series is sort of World of Warcraft meets Bladerunner with a dash of Sam Spade. It’s elves and orcs (and unicorns) along with sentient AIs, drones, technomages, and druids. There’s a dragon, a fox made of magic, and corporate-owned police. It sounds like a muddle, but somehow Allmon makes it work. It’s one of my favorite series, and I’m very sad to see it go, but if the story had to come to an end, I’m glad this is how it did it.
Austin and JT had tragic, horrific childhoods. They both suffered abuse — physical, mental, and emotional — and its left its mark on them. Austin can’t handle confrontations. He has to be right. He’ll use anything and everything to get his way — his body, his knives, his friends — and has the morality of a snake. He’s also so very broken. Roan and JT were all he had, and he lost them both. Getting JT back, his first love and his best friend, has become a quest of its own. He’s not sure if this AI, the Blue Unicorn, is his sister or not, but so long as there’s a chance, he’ll take it. He’ll throw them all at the mage who got her killed, risking his own life, if it would bring her back.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 13, 2018
The first book in this trilogy will always be my favorite of the three. There's something about plunging into a new (& in this case - wild) world for the first time but this was a very satisfying conclusion.
We get solid resolutions on several fronts - the Blue Unicorn and JT & Austin's relationship. All the gang is back and working together (mostly) or working out their baggage (mostly) and we learn more about "The Job That Went Bad".
It's difficult to balance the often outlandish, sexually charged, adrenaline rush of this series with softer emotions and complex relationships but Allmon pulls it off. You just roll with whatever he throws at you - Orc's, Fae? Sentient computer programs & cars? Cyborg assassins? Magical foxes? Tentacle porn? Sure! That makes sense...lol - and care about the outcome for all involved.
There were a few nitpicky things that I was left wondering about
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this as a stand alone. Jt and Austin's complicated relationship spans all three books (although book #2, Apocalypse Alley features a different couple) and the Blue Unicorn arc & several character arc's make this a series that you need to read in order.
If you enjoy over the top UF/fantasy/cyberpunk with a gaming vibe - complex, flawed characters and really raunchy sex I highly recommend this original and addictive series.
We get solid resolutions on several fronts - the Blue Unicorn and JT & Austin's relationship. All the gang is back and working together (mostly) or working out their baggage (mostly) and we learn more about "The Job That Went Bad".
It's difficult to balance the often outlandish, sexually charged, adrenaline rush of this series with softer emotions and complex relationships but Allmon pulls it off. You just roll with whatever he throws at you - Orc's, Fae? Sentient computer programs & cars? Cyborg assassins? Magical foxes? Tentacle porn? Sure! That makes sense...lol - and care about the outcome for all involved.
There were a few nitpicky things that I was left wondering about
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this as a stand alone. Jt and Austin's complicated relationship spans all three books (although book #2, Apocalypse Alley features a different couple) and the Blue Unicorn arc & several character arc's make this a series that you need to read in order.
If you enjoy over the top UF/fantasy/cyberpunk with a gaming vibe - complex, flawed characters and really raunchy sex I highly recommend this original and addictive series.
November 19, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fha on 11/20
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
From that review: "With The Burning Magus, Don Allmon brings The Blue Unicorn trilogy to a close and does so in a manner I've come to expect from this wildly imaginative author.
I've loved and been intrigued by the warped, bleak landscape of the universe that is the setting for this series. The land and people contorted, twisted, and transformed into "otherness"...orcs, trolls, elves, and more. History become fabricated, molded, and then worshiped along various lines as was self created religions. Techno driven cultures, implants, wastelands of the environments and of the soul....nothing that Don Allmon forgot or left uncreated."
For all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fha on 11/20
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
From that review: "With The Burning Magus, Don Allmon brings The Blue Unicorn trilogy to a close and does so in a manner I've come to expect from this wildly imaginative author.
I've loved and been intrigued by the warped, bleak landscape of the universe that is the setting for this series. The land and people contorted, twisted, and transformed into "otherness"...orcs, trolls, elves, and more. History become fabricated, molded, and then worshiped along various lines as was self created religions. Techno driven cultures, implants, wastelands of the environments and of the soul....nothing that Don Allmon forgot or left uncreated."
For all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 5, 2019
JT and Austin are finally facing one of the worst demons of their lives - the wizard Firelight and the heist that went so wrong. The man who killed Austin’s sister, the man who imprisoned them, the man who experimented on them. Now it’s time for a rescue rescue - and a time to do it right
I’ve said it before, one of the difficult parts of writing a review of a series is when you love the same thing about the books - because how do you write a review without being repetitive? Take the Blue Unicorn Series - how do I write this review without repeating what I’ve already written twice before?
Because everything I said there still applies. I love this magical cyperpunk world (I am so desperate to start playing Shadowrun every time I play this game). I love the mix of the magical and the technological. I love how the internet is almost a parallel dimension with such real life applications. I love how hacking and spellcasting feel so similar. I love how we can have the combination of druids and wizards with weird sea god patrons. I love the combination of the giant, terrifying dragon and the virtual godzilla which has almost as much destructive potential even though it only exists in cyberspace. This magical cyberpunk setting is excellent
And the dystopian elements are really well maintained as well - there’s no grand “the world is over!” drama nor are they travelling a lot to show the broken world like we saw in Apocalypse Ally. But still there are references, among all the excellent high tech world building, that makes it clear the nations we’re used to no longer exist, that for all the shiny technology there’s also a lot of desperation and poverty and evidence of things being broken - especially looking at Austin and JT’s past
I also really like the plot. This is a heist book - preparing the team, checking all their skills, balancing everyone, having everyone use their various abilities to get it all together and make it work. And then it all going wrong. Of course it all has to go wrong. But before that I think it’s really cunning and imaginative and was great fun to watch - I think I’d like to see these characters perform successful heists, no violence, just to see them succeed and all the imagination and intelligence. The heist is great.
We also have all the characters here, all prominent in various ways. I think we have a three way protagonist - Austin, JT and Dante with Comet and Buzz being prominent but taking a back seat. I think that was a good plan because this helps us delve a lot into the various character’s issues - we have Dante dealing with being both an Orc (and seen as less and facing a lot of stereotyping) and a Black woman who has also been injured and disabled. She has moments of self doubt, a lot of thinking that she’s unworthy or incapable. She feels out of place but still fights back against that and reasserts her own worth and strength while also showing off their own capability
Read more
July 22, 2020
The series started out super fun, lots of tech and interesting magic. It’s very much a pulp fantasy series. The romance part isn’t heavy, or even really at the fore. I was disappointed in that aspect. Otherwise, ‘‘twas fun.
November 10, 2025
2025 re-read, this time in order: I got quite a lot more out of this novel after reading the trilogy in order. Arrogant 2018-me thought skipping #2 was fine, which is a heck of a conclusion. This world is complex, the characters are never simple, and the plot never stops. It's a bit dated, but why would anyone care? There's sex (m/m) and romance and danger and humor and I loved all three novels all over again.
December 17, 2019
First of all I liked that it was mostly from Austin/J.T pov. I just liked those characters more. It was super action packed. So much was going on. It did feel like mission impossible, but then when they were actually doing it it seemed so easy...
It was funny to see Austin use bus to travel :D
I loved loved loved that J.T saw Nebraska. That was the best. Of course they were stubborn to the end. And when Austin decided to confront Firelight his reasoning was so heartbreaking.
While I enjoyed The Burning Magus, it left me with some unanswered question. Usually that's fine. But...
I wanted to know why Roan died. Who attacked her in the net. Was it 3djinn or someone else. I know Firelight was behind it, but how far did the betrayal go. Now that they defeated the foe are the bountys on their heads gone. What happened to Austins grandfather? Huh so many questions :P
It was funny to see Austin use bus to travel :D
I loved loved loved that J.T saw Nebraska. That was the best. Of course they were stubborn to the end. And when Austin decided to confront Firelight his reasoning was so heartbreaking.
While I enjoyed The Burning Magus, it left me with some unanswered question. Usually that's fine. But...
I wanted to know why Roan died. Who attacked her in the net. Was it 3djinn or someone else. I know Firelight was behind it, but how far did the betrayal go. Now that they defeated the foe are the bountys on their heads gone. What happened to Austins grandfather? Huh so many questions :P
November 20, 2018
3.5 stars
Weird & wonderful. My favorite book of the series. Most of the threads were tied up nicely, though a few doors are left propped open. JT and Austin really made this series shine (Austin in particular).
Weird & wonderful. My favorite book of the series. Most of the threads were tied up nicely, though a few doors are left propped open. JT and Austin really made this series shine (Austin in particular).
February 6, 2019
Review to follow
December 1, 2020
Very satisfying end to the series, nicely intellectual, perfect emotionally. And could follow the science/math just well enough to not feel lost.
July 25, 2021
I love this series. I wish there was more to read.
December 28, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. It's not that it's bad, but rather that I loved the first one, liked the second one and found this one uninspired. It felt much more rushed. I thought it had too many characters, too much pointless sex and too little pay off.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
To elaborate, all the previous characters are here in this one, so the book felt unfocused. And though I have no problem with sex in my books, like and expect it even, the sex here is largely voyeuristic and too frequently not between the established couples. (So, it adds nothing to strengthen the bond we're supposed to believe exists.) What's more, some of it felt very much like the author went, "Oh, this is SO in right now. I better add it, even if it feels like an after-the-fact add and isn't well stitched into the plot."
As to pay-off, (this is hard to address without spoilers) questions are presented and not answered, and I didn't feel Allmon made any effort to lead the reader to decide on their own. Instead, the whole thing feels forgotten. A whole important character is introduced and not given any significant page-time (and it really was needed). And bad guys are defeated easily (even ones that took whole books to beat in the past) and simply fade away without fuss.
All in all, I still like Allmon's writing style. And I like this series. But, when compared with the previous books, The Burning Magus fell extremely flat for me.
January 17, 2019
It was very satisfying ending for the trilogy, both on the mystery side and on the Romantic level. I was previously a bit disappointed that the second book featured different couple, so I was excited to witness JT and Austen HEA. The action part was fantastic and I believe Blue Unicorn to be one of the best cyberpunk/magic mash ups. At list among those I’ve read. Usually I am not a fan of multiple POVs, but in this one, it worked quite good. It’s a pity there is not much explanation about the reason the magic came back in this Universe, but the world-building is founded enough so it doesn’t really bother me. The book has quite explicit sex scenes and has to come with warning about somewhat disturbing and very graphic monster/tentacle thing.
July 25, 2025
a little slow at times
While I ultimately enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy, the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks, and it dragged a bit. There were also some weird sex scenes - not between the MC’s - that just didn’t do it for me (Voyeurism and tentacles). But I enjoyed the retrieval of RoanAI and the epilogue was great.
While I ultimately enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy, the beginning was a little confusing with the flashbacks, and it dragged a bit. There were also some weird sex scenes - not between the MC’s - that just didn’t do it for me (Voyeurism and tentacles). But I enjoyed the retrieval of RoanAI and the epilogue was great.
October 25, 2018
Enjoyable science fiction, well written and with characters at the center. I would recommend this engaging book for a variety of readers.
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