What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Magic #4
The Ember Isles
A van full of handcuffed criminals speeds towards the Dark Tower.
What could go wrong?
What could go wrong?
A lot, apparently. Especially when Jax’s assassin happens to be in the vehicle destined for oblivion.
She uses the term ‘assassin’ loosely, of course, because Darick also happens to be a stalker, a spy, a healer mage, and her number one crush.
But this is no love story.
Sure, there’s a woman being haunted by her dead husband.
And the new captain of the paranormal special ops force who doesn’t hide his obsession for a certain kick-ass detective of the girl wizard variety.
And a magical albino ferret who has a deep and abiding affection for popcorn. (Yes, popcorn. But go easy on the salt.)
So: Spells, yes. Explosions, yes. Killer sharks … maybe. And a whole lot of magic, adventure, and mayhem.
But this is certainly no love story.
***
A breakneck-paced mix of urban fantasy, irreverent humor and detective noir.
Fans of The Dresden Files and Jessica Jones will burn through this addictive urban fantasy series.
Get it now.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2019
85 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Lawrence
144 books363 followersAmazon bestselling, genre-hopping, kickass-female-protagonist-loving author.
Follow me here, on Amazon, or on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jt-la...
www.jt-lawrence.com
Follow me here, on Amazon, or on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jt-la...
www.jt-lawrence.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 25, 2019
3.5 stars
November 6, 2019
So much going on for poor Jax to focus on! Onto the next book to see how she fares!
April 26, 2021
Jax has got to smarten up. Never answer your door without looking through the peep-hole
January 19, 2019
Book 4 - the thrilling saga continues.
I struggled to put this fast-paced, well-crafted book down. I kept on returning to it and ended up reading it in one day, despite having to do housework & cooking a roast dinner; The Ember Isles kept calling to me and I was desparate to discover what awful scrape Jax the 'girl wizard' (as she insists upon thinking of herself) has gotten herself into. Despite being one kick-ass bundle of powerful magic with a wry sense of humour and a keen sense of who she is - whilst being ignorant of her own origins - she demands empathy and sympathy in equal measure, as well as respect for this accomplished vampire killer. Set in a dystopic Johannesburg, with a substantial magical community alongside the blissfully unaware non-magical folks, this is a world you'll get to know even if you have never been to South Africa. Be sure to start with the first volume, The Highfire Crown and get to appreciate a talented South African author (she is the author of quite a number of books!).
I struggled to put this fast-paced, well-crafted book down. I kept on returning to it and ended up reading it in one day, despite having to do housework & cooking a roast dinner; The Ember Isles kept calling to me and I was desparate to discover what awful scrape Jax the 'girl wizard' (as she insists upon thinking of herself) has gotten herself into. Despite being one kick-ass bundle of powerful magic with a wry sense of humour and a keen sense of who she is - whilst being ignorant of her own origins - she demands empathy and sympathy in equal measure, as well as respect for this accomplished vampire killer. Set in a dystopic Johannesburg, with a substantial magical community alongside the blissfully unaware non-magical folks, this is a world you'll get to know even if you have never been to South Africa. Be sure to start with the first volume, The Highfire Crown and get to appreciate a talented South African author (she is the author of quite a number of books!).
January 25, 2019
KICKIN' IT UP!!!
If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed, pulse racing, page turning dynamo that's as riveting as it is captivating from start to finish. Bringing a lot of magic and swirling emotions that will definitely rock your world. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters are intriguing and complex. Following along fascinated as their personalities transformed and blended. The main character is set on a path of danger and suspense that bring out her bad-ass side. The scenes with such vivid detail and descriptive that you can actually visualize each one in depth. The way has the scenes playing out are so realistic you get so caught up in it, that you feel your along for the ride. Twists and turns abounds with unexpected surprises that make for one thrilling experience. Remarkable job Lawrence and Kraus, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed, pulse racing, page turning dynamo that's as riveting as it is captivating from start to finish. Bringing a lot of magic and swirling emotions that will definitely rock your world. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters are intriguing and complex. Following along fascinated as their personalities transformed and blended. The main character is set on a path of danger and suspense that bring out her bad-ass side. The scenes with such vivid detail and descriptive that you can actually visualize each one in depth. The way has the scenes playing out are so realistic you get so caught up in it, that you feel your along for the ride. Twists and turns abounds with unexpected surprises that make for one thrilling experience. Remarkable job Lawrence and Kraus, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
October 10, 2019
As the blurb says, this ain't no love story. It is a bit about Jax trying to save the guy she has a thing for despite barely spending any time with. I think it was good, but the events are all starting to blur together now. Not sure if that's a good thing - as in, this book moves forward with the bigger story arc - or not - because I actually can't remember much of the details even though I finished it earlier today.
Same pros and cons as the rest of the series really. Zippy, but a bit all over the place.
-Read as part of the Blood Magic Box Set-
Same pros and cons as the rest of the series really. Zippy, but a bit all over the place.
-Read as part of the Blood Magic Box Set-
September 17, 2020
"Feeling like the dumbest wizard ever born..." I was thinking the same thing! I mean c'mon, this is the 4th book, just read the faexing cover!! So at least we FINALLY get too see what ghost is trying to tell Jax with the red hardcover book. Also, learn to use a faexing peep hole!! Literally every time she opens the door, it's not who she thought it was going to be. How is she still alive without these basic survival skills?? Good book, but wow, is she dumb.
January 8, 2026
Up until now I have given the books in this series a 1-2 stars. The books feel a bit chaotic, a lot going on with no conclusion. This book is the first book that makes me feel like we are getting some answers to the first 3. The story is there but the writing style could use some adjusting for me to like it. I don’t DNF book because I feel like I will miss out if they get better and I’m happy I didn’t for this series. I’m excited to see where book 5 brings us.
May 8, 2020
Another action-packed but pretty depressing book in the Blood Magic series! My only regret is there are no light-hearted scenes in this book in particular and they are few and far between in the series. I think it's overall too depressing. It would be a better series if poor Jax had a bit of a break at times and could finally get two-steps ahead rather than always falling short.
April 19, 2021
I am really enjoying this series and I'm glad to have the box set. Book #4 is filled with mayhem, action and a villain everyone loves to hate.
I don't give spoilers so it's difficult to say much; I'll just say that it's well-written, fast-paced with a delightful sense of humour - 'baby cucumbers wrapped in pastrami' - ha, ha, ha!
Brilliant and highly recommended.
I don't give spoilers so it's difficult to say much; I'll just say that it's well-written, fast-paced with a delightful sense of humour - 'baby cucumbers wrapped in pastrami' - ha, ha, ha!
Brilliant and highly recommended.
July 7, 2019
A New Favorite Series
This series is amazingly well written and thought out. The characters are relatable, unique, and fascinating. There's action, magic, mystery, and suspense. Excellent and creative.
This series is amazingly well written and thought out. The characters are relatable, unique, and fascinating. There's action, magic, mystery, and suspense. Excellent and creative.
June 2, 2020
Fast Paced series
Another two days another case or two for Jax. I have enjoyed this series but I am beginning to think that Jax isn’t very smart as she is co scantly getting attacked, arrested or otherwise I trouble. Hopefully she gets out of her current jam.
Another two days another case or two for Jax. I have enjoyed this series but I am beginning to think that Jax isn’t very smart as she is co scantly getting attacked, arrested or otherwise I trouble. Hopefully she gets out of her current jam.
April 7, 2025
great read, but cliffhangers!!
Zipping through this series, enjoyable fun & enough spin on the usual to make it interesting. Very glad whole series is out bc I can’t stand cliffhangers
Zipping through this series, enjoyable fun & enough spin on the usual to make it interesting. Very glad whole series is out bc I can’t stand cliffhangers
February 2, 2019
Im in love with this series!!!!
September 10, 2019
Great quick read
Can't wait for the next installment. It's action packed. I've been racing through all the books. They're seriously addicting. Bbb
Can't wait for the next installment. It's action packed. I've been racing through all the books. They're seriously addicting. Bbb
September 22, 2019
Oh what an ending. Can't wait to see the big picture and who's behind all this.
December 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Lots of action and activity although the broader plot didn't really develop much further. Still enjoyable.
Lots of action and activity although the broader plot didn't really develop much further. Still enjoyable.
February 6, 2021
This is just one hectic rollercoaster!
July 4, 2022
Chaos! The orcs are running rampant, humans are going ‘poof,’ and the new detective is determined to arrest Jax. Not to mention she has to save Darick.
June 8, 2023
I’m on an adrenaline fueled roller coaster! What fun but how will I ever sleep.
September 15, 2023
Still enjoying the series and I love the cover. It has humour, romance and mystery. The characters are great.
Well worth a read and I will continue the series!
Well worth a read and I will continue the series!
December 4, 2024
I got carried away and finished the book today. Next!
December 23, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat to the very end! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
July 27, 2025
This book was chaotic ,no heroine could ever keep up with everything going on in this book.
Abrupt ending
Abrupt ending
August 31, 2025
Fast Paced Fun
Looking forward to the next one to see how she gets out of this fix, and saves all her friends.
Looking forward to the next one to see how she gets out of this fix, and saves all her friends.
May 21, 2021
4 books in and I'm so glad I don't have to wait in between books, I can't put the books down!
So much going on and yet you follow each thread without any problems. Great story telling
So much going on and yet you follow each thread without any problems. Great story telling
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews