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Seeking the Zodiacs #1
Hypnos
Following the devastation of World War III, nuclear radiation has spawned magic, ranging from nuisance koppa oni plaguing the Golden Gate to masters of the elements. It falls to the FBI's supernatural quads and their supervisors to protect those who can't protect themselves.
But when a mysterious force storms through a busy shopping center and fells everyone in its wake, Olivia Abrams and her team of special ops must find who is behind the attack and why before the entirety of San Francisco succumbs to its powers.
But when a mysterious force storms through a busy shopping center and fells everyone in its wake, Olivia Abrams and her team of special ops must find who is behind the attack and why before the entirety of San Francisco succumbs to its powers.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
138 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
81 books1,304 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 25, 2022
Fantastic. Loved every word.
Go, Buy, Read. Highly recommend this book.
Magic, strong characters, interesting world building, fast pace, likeable invested-in-their-fate main and secondary characters, budding romance...a short list of some of the things I love about this story.
I kept checking the book countdown in the corner, hoping that the end was far away as I definitely did not want the story to be over. But it still was over before I was ready. This part of the story wrapped up well. Looking forward to the next book.
Magic and its creation in this world was different, though some types were familiar like elementals, warlocks.
Love the take charge heroine. The hero was a great foil.
I so want more of this world but also more Magical Rom Coms (with body count), more Royal States, basically anything this author writes.
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub.
Go, Buy, Read. Highly recommend this book.
Magic, strong characters, interesting world building, fast pace, likeable invested-in-their-fate main and secondary characters, budding romance...a short list of some of the things I love about this story.
I kept checking the book countdown in the corner, hoping that the end was far away as I definitely did not want the story to be over. But it still was over before I was ready. This part of the story wrapped up well. Looking forward to the next book.
Magic and its creation in this world was different, though some types were familiar like elementals, warlocks.
Love the take charge heroine. The hero was a great foil.
I so want more of this world but also more Magical Rom Coms (with body count), more Royal States, basically anything this author writes.
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub.
March 16, 2020
Stayed up late to finish on a work night so that’s a four. Usual style for this one so another one to just go along with and enjoy the ride. Loved the characters and the story, looking forward to the next one.
May 17, 2019
Couldn't get enough!
Disclosure - I am an addicy when it comes to the Magical Comedy with a Body Count series... ans Zodiac just hopped right on up there as another pre-order obsession! You HAVE to read these books if you like strong characters and world building! Enjoy - and join me in my addiction!
Disclosure - I am an addicy when it comes to the Magical Comedy with a Body Count series... ans Zodiac just hopped right on up there as another pre-order obsession! You HAVE to read these books if you like strong characters and world building! Enjoy - and join me in my addiction!
April 24, 2019
I would love to edit these
It can be very enjoyable reading this author’s writing. But it also be a little disorienting. Sometimes the verbal sparring can slow down the progress of the plot. Other times you may forget exactly who else is present while two characters trade insults. Or you can forget that they’re in a car and traveling. I do wish there would be a few characters who did not participate in the near endless badinage.
I do enjoy the interesting new world. Having a concrete reason for magic entering the world is different from a lot of other urban fantasy.
I will continue to buy the authors novels or short stories as they become available. Her inventiveness in designing her worlds seems endless.
It can be very enjoyable reading this author’s writing. But it also be a little disorienting. Sometimes the verbal sparring can slow down the progress of the plot. Other times you may forget exactly who else is present while two characters trade insults. Or you can forget that they’re in a car and traveling. I do wish there would be a few characters who did not participate in the near endless badinage.
I do enjoy the interesting new world. Having a concrete reason for magic entering the world is different from a lot of other urban fantasy.
I will continue to buy the authors novels or short stories as they become available. Her inventiveness in designing her worlds seems endless.
July 5, 2020
My biggest issue with the book was how other people treated Olivia. It wasn't until toward the end of the book that anyone seemed to show her any respect at all despite her position in the FBI. Not only did they call her a damsel in distress they often treated her like one and she let them. Yet she's the one they look to take down the big bad. I feel like she ought to have received more respect that that from everyone.
The relationship between Oliva and Raymond was outright weird and was a bit like a business deal for sex that doesn't actually occur in the book. It's entirely bonkers to move in with someone days after meeting them and they went from strangers to pseudo couple like in a blink. The whole thing was downright jarring.
Additionally Olivia often takes juvenile to beyond extremes, she can honestly he described as a brat most of the book and I think that childlike behavior is actually encouraged in the way everyone else treats her.
The book was interesting but odd to say the least. I'd definitely read other titles in the work, but I'm hoping people stop acting like Olivia is some sort of delicate flower incapable of making her own decisions in future installments.
The relationship between Oliva and Raymond was outright weird and was a bit like a business deal for sex that doesn't actually occur in the book. It's entirely bonkers to move in with someone days after meeting them and they went from strangers to pseudo couple like in a blink. The whole thing was downright jarring.
Additionally Olivia often takes juvenile to beyond extremes, she can honestly he described as a brat most of the book and I think that childlike behavior is actually encouraged in the way everyone else treats her.
The book was interesting but odd to say the least. I'd definitely read other titles in the work, but I'm hoping people stop acting like Olivia is some sort of delicate flower incapable of making her own decisions in future installments.
August 26, 2020
FB lugemise väljakutse
#ulmemini
See läks nüüd küll hästi. Postapokalüptiline ulmekas paneb mind mõtlema peamiselt tähtedevaheliste lendude lõppemisele ja kohutvale hulgale kosmposeprügile. R. J. Blain on aga oma maailmalõpuloo seadnud pärast kolmandat maailmasõda, kus tuumapommide üleküllus vallandas hoopis uskumatutes kogustes maagiad ja inimestel on palju uusi ja maagilisi võimeid. Sh. vampiirid ja empaadid ja vee-, tule ja maa elementalid.
Hypno on sellesse maailma seatud romantiline krimilugu, kus hiina ema ja ameerika isa järeltulija näeb vapustav välja, tal on uskumatud maagilised võimed, terav keel ja toredad kolleegid. Sisu rohkem spoilima ei hakka. Kellele sellised fantasy-segused lustlikumat laadi postapokalüptilised lood meeldivad, siis see tunneb suurt rõõmu sellest raamatust. Või siis need, keda sõna postapokalüptiline juba värisema paneb.
#ulmemini
See läks nüüd küll hästi. Postapokalüptiline ulmekas paneb mind mõtlema peamiselt tähtedevaheliste lendude lõppemisele ja kohutvale hulgale kosmposeprügile. R. J. Blain on aga oma maailmalõpuloo seadnud pärast kolmandat maailmasõda, kus tuumapommide üleküllus vallandas hoopis uskumatutes kogustes maagiad ja inimestel on palju uusi ja maagilisi võimeid. Sh. vampiirid ja empaadid ja vee-, tule ja maa elementalid.
Hypno on sellesse maailma seatud romantiline krimilugu, kus hiina ema ja ameerika isa järeltulija näeb vapustav välja, tal on uskumatud maagilised võimed, terav keel ja toredad kolleegid. Sisu rohkem spoilima ei hakka. Kellele sellised fantasy-segused lustlikumat laadi postapokalüptilised lood meeldivad, siis see tunneb suurt rõõmu sellest raamatust. Või siis need, keda sõna postapokalüptiline juba värisema paneb.
February 19, 2024
Our FMC is funny but also scary. I love the world building of this book. A world of magic due to World War 3. Well, I don't love it, that sounds horrible. But the concept is interesting.
I enjoy the banter between the FMC and MMC. It's direct, logical, but still romantic in their own way.
Their are all sorts of sups in this story. It's rare to be just a human.
There is no smut, not even a kiss. But I expect this from this author. It's what you need if you want to laugh and read about body count with a bit of romance.
4.2 stars
I enjoy the banter between the FMC and MMC. It's direct, logical, but still romantic in their own way.
Their are all sorts of sups in this story. It's rare to be just a human.
There is no smut, not even a kiss. But I expect this from this author. It's what you need if you want to laugh and read about body count with a bit of romance.
4.2 stars
August 3, 2019
Hypnos was a strong opening story in a series. It moved at a fast pace, the characters were interesting and there was a lot of humor. The plot was fairly well constructed, though I felt it fell apart a little bit toward the end.
I am concerned about how well this will hold up over additionally books. There was a lot of strong personalities and everyone interacted in a joking/not joking I love/hate you way. The love and care came out enough so this wasn't too much of a problem. And the way the two leads dated was hilarious. But I'm not sure how well it will sustain over multiple books. I think we need a bit more substance for it to be able to keep going.
The main character is amazingly overpowered. But in a book that's more comedy than serious, that actually didn't feel like a problem either. I will certainly be reading the next book whenever it is released.
I am concerned about how well this will hold up over additionally books. There was a lot of strong personalities and everyone interacted in a joking/not joking I love/hate you way. The love and care came out enough so this wasn't too much of a problem. And the way the two leads dated was hilarious. But I'm not sure how well it will sustain over multiple books. I think we need a bit more substance for it to be able to keep going.
The main character is amazingly overpowered. But in a book that's more comedy than serious, that actually didn't feel like a problem either. I will certainly be reading the next book whenever it is released.
September 2, 2020
Unfortunately I’ve had to DNF this book. The premise looked really interesting, but the protagonist was the one who ruined it for me. Some would call it sass, but for me it was more snarky than sass - and unnecessarily too. It made it very hard for me to be interested in finding out more about her. The worst thing for me was the writing seemed to force the reader to like the protagonist, which definitely did not work for me.
For example, the author made it a point that the protagonist was hardworking by having everyone in her circle say that she needed to rest, that she lacked sleep, and so on. While I appreciate the “show, don’t tell” strategy - bombarding me with such things was grating to me, and thus I feel like I was being forced to admire the protagonist for being hardworking.
It's a shame, as I could see a lot of people really liked this book. But it wasn't for me.
For example, the author made it a point that the protagonist was hardworking by having everyone in her circle say that she needed to rest, that she lacked sleep, and so on. While I appreciate the “show, don’t tell” strategy - bombarding me with such things was grating to me, and thus I feel like I was being forced to admire the protagonist for being hardworking.
It's a shame, as I could see a lot of people really liked this book. But it wasn't for me.
December 16, 2019
I like the premise. I find the magic system & world very interesting.
But the frenetic babbling of the characters detract from the story. For me the characters blend into each other too much. They all have the same irrational loud nutty personality. Rather than being able to enjoy the strong female characters, or the push and pull between characters that are getting to know each other, or characters that have known each other for years, the same voice is used making it hard to care about individuals. I was hoping eventually RJ Blaine would find the right mixture, but I’m starting to think it won’t happen.
But the frenetic babbling of the characters detract from the story. For me the characters blend into each other too much. They all have the same irrational loud nutty personality. Rather than being able to enjoy the strong female characters, or the push and pull between characters that are getting to know each other, or characters that have known each other for years, the same voice is used making it hard to care about individuals. I was hoping eventually RJ Blaine would find the right mixture, but I’m starting to think it won’t happen.
November 18, 2020
This is not my favorite by this author. The repetition bogged down the pace of the story and just made me sigh in frustration. A little is cute, funny even, until it's not. Then it feels contrived and became the only thing I saw. By the time she makes it to her parents house and the back and forth about the chair starts, I put it down. It was OTP too much. I tried this again when it came out in audiobook. That section was even more tedious when narrated.
Though there are things I liked about the world building and some of the side characters, if there is no moderation in the repeating the same thing over and over... I just can't.
Though there are things I liked about the world building and some of the side characters, if there is no moderation in the repeating the same thing over and over... I just can't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2020
This has been a good start to a new series.
What I liked
Worldbuilding: It's post-WWIII and the mutations inflicted by nuclear warfare have resulted in nuclear radiation either killing people or manifesting as "magic" in people predisposed to mutation.
It's an interesting urban fantasy world and I liked the execution of the worldbuilding. At the same time, I have a few questions about how the "magic" - essentially radiation - would take its toll over time, but I think the magic structure will be explained as the story progresses. At least I hope so.
What I Didn't Like As Much
The Dialogue (by extension, the chemistry - or lack thereof): Simply put - there's too much dialogue. Everyone is talking. All the time. Pages of it. I've never been more exhausted by conversations I'm not even part of. While it's used well for characterisation, there's no time to breathe. The characters are all go-go-go. As a result, Raymond and Olivia barely ever talk to each other alone and so there's no chemistry. Raymond was introduced as a shy 'awkward-with-girls' guy, but he does a flip and turns into Ladykiller Extraordinaire in a few pages.
A chapter later, she's woken up clinging to him and he's perfectly comfortable.
Like what happened?
The Tone:
It's a humorous lighthearted novel, but there's a maniac warlock running around killing people and this supernatural FBI squad are acting like the cast of a sitcom. Frankly, the only stakes in this story are the ones Olivia's eating. Literally no one was on the edge of their seat when the UN authorised a nuke to drop on thousands of people. Like oh damn death. But there's Olivia slapping the psycho warlock with a fish. That's fun.
All in all, I did like the story. Don't read it if you like people acting like actual people. The only people who died in this novel are people we don't know and don't care about. Maybe it'll take off in Achlys? I will be looking out for the next book in 2021.
What I liked
Worldbuilding: It's post-WWIII and the mutations inflicted by nuclear warfare have resulted in nuclear radiation either killing people or manifesting as "magic" in people predisposed to mutation.
World War III had changed everything, every nuke dropped adding to the chaos of magic exploding into the world. Instead of the world dying to fallout, the ashes either killed or birthed powers. For lack of anything else to call it, it'd been dubbed magic (ch.2, pg.6).
It's an interesting urban fantasy world and I liked the execution of the worldbuilding. At the same time, I have a few questions about how the "magic" - essentially radiation - would take its toll over time, but I think the magic structure will be explained as the story progresses. At least I hope so.
What I Didn't Like As Much
The Dialogue (by extension, the chemistry - or lack thereof): Simply put - there's too much dialogue. Everyone is talking. All the time. Pages of it. I've never been more exhausted by conversations I'm not even part of. While it's used well for characterisation, there's no time to breathe. The characters are all go-go-go. As a result, Raymond and Olivia barely ever talk to each other alone and so there's no chemistry. Raymond was introduced as a shy 'awkward-with-girls' guy, but he does a flip and turns into Ladykiller Extraordinaire in a few pages.
Detective Hunk, as shy as accused, averted his gaze, accidentally stared into the mirror, and his face turned red (ch.3 pg. 19)
A chapter later, she's woken up clinging to him and he's perfectly comfortable.
A better woman would've let the cop go, but I was warm and didn't want to move. "I don't usually take Eddy's suggestions seriously."
Detective Davis sighed. "Good morning. How much of yesterday do you remember?" (ch. 4 pg. 9)
Like what happened?
The Tone:
It's a humorous lighthearted novel, but there's a maniac warlock running around killing people and this supernatural FBI squad are acting like the cast of a sitcom. Frankly, the only stakes in this story are the ones Olivia's eating. Literally no one was on the edge of their seat when the UN authorised a nuke to drop on thousands of people. Like oh damn death. But there's Olivia slapping the psycho warlock with a fish. That's fun.
All in all, I did like the story. Don't read it if you like people acting like actual people. The only people who died in this novel are people we don't know and don't care about. Maybe it'll take off in Achlys? I will be looking out for the next book in 2021.
May 22, 2024
I read this when it first came out, but I never logged it here. Hence the 2024 resolution to track everything I read. I'm tired of getting recommendations for books I've already read.
This is one of Blain's better plotted books, but book 2 is not scheduled to be released until (maybe) Summer 2025. There are no real cliffhangers so while I would love a continuation of these characters, I suspect a new couple will take the lead in book 2. You don't read Blain's books for the romance, you read it for the world-building and the humor. I realized tonight that part of Blain's plotting issue is that instead of developing a series ahead of time and sticking to the outline, she uses her sales to determine what she works on.
She actually has a very good blog post on this (read here), and it applies to traditionally pubbed authors as well. We see it all the time with TV shows, it happens to books too. If you don't participate, by watching the episodes as they air or buying the books when released, the series will get cancelled.
So while I completely respect Blain's right to make sound business decisions, because of this, as a reader, I wish she would stop doing overall series plots and focus on self-contained titles or trilogies. Her world-building is her strength. I can't think of another book that involves a FBI special agent that has elemental psychic powers after being exposed to a nuclear attack and the immediate big bad is a ghost fish that puts people to sleep. It sounds so weird, and yet it works!
I'm trying to think of a readlike and I'm coming up blank. I guess the closest would be the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, but that is more romance-orientated than Blain's books. Still, if you like Andrews, give Hypnos a try. Mostly because if there's a sales spike, maybe Blain will move up book 2 in her writing schedule. Fingers crossed!
This is one of Blain's better plotted books, but book 2 is not scheduled to be released until (maybe) Summer 2025. There are no real cliffhangers so while I would love a continuation of these characters, I suspect a new couple will take the lead in book 2. You don't read Blain's books for the romance, you read it for the world-building and the humor. I realized tonight that part of Blain's plotting issue is that instead of developing a series ahead of time and sticking to the outline, she uses her sales to determine what she works on.
She actually has a very good blog post on this (read here), and it applies to traditionally pubbed authors as well. We see it all the time with TV shows, it happens to books too. If you don't participate, by watching the episodes as they air or buying the books when released, the series will get cancelled.
So while I completely respect Blain's right to make sound business decisions, because of this, as a reader, I wish she would stop doing overall series plots and focus on self-contained titles or trilogies. Her world-building is her strength. I can't think of another book that involves a FBI special agent that has elemental psychic powers after being exposed to a nuclear attack and the immediate big bad is a ghost fish that puts people to sleep. It sounds so weird, and yet it works!
I'm trying to think of a readlike and I'm coming up blank. I guess the closest would be the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, but that is more romance-orientated than Blain's books. Still, if you like Andrews, give Hypnos a try. Mostly because if there's a sales spike, maybe Blain will move up book 2 in her writing schedule. Fingers crossed!
August 2, 2019
High Paced Urban Fantasy
I decided to read this book based on the fact that Faith Hunter (one of my favourite authors) likes this book. It’s tenuous I know but I really really like her books. This one is pretty good.
Olivia is a woman of dual cultures, with her mother being born in China and her father being American. She looks like her mother and thinks like her father, much to her mother’s dismay. Both parents adore their daughter but they are slightly crazy and bicker. Olivia’s father is a Police Commissioner and is disappointed his daughter joined the FBI rather than become a cop.
The world in which they live is one riddled with magic, caused by the dropping of nuclear bombs during World War III. Olivia is a rare survivor of the bomb that took out New York. Those that survived were very high powered magic users. Olivia is a supervisor of magic units called Quads made up mainly of drafted magic users. Olivia works incredibly long hours, can get by with little food and was at the limits of her body and power when disaster struck her city of San Francisco.
I liked how the book started out with her being weakened and struggling to stay awake. It showed that she wasn’t all powerful right from the beginning. I also liked how her main team flocked around her to try and make her take care of herself. It showed a strong woman, who is respected and cared for. I like it when the main characters are already established in their powers.
The world building was very good and the characters were all interesting. The plot was complex and kept me reading late into the night. However, the level of banter felt a little excessive to me. It was over the top and felt forced. It dropped off a little as the book went on, which made the read much more enjoyable, but it did make me hesitate a bit at the beginning. I’m glad I stuck with it.
I think future books in this series would make for a good read and will definitely read one when they become available.
I decided to read this book based on the fact that Faith Hunter (one of my favourite authors) likes this book. It’s tenuous I know but I really really like her books. This one is pretty good.
Olivia is a woman of dual cultures, with her mother being born in China and her father being American. She looks like her mother and thinks like her father, much to her mother’s dismay. Both parents adore their daughter but they are slightly crazy and bicker. Olivia’s father is a Police Commissioner and is disappointed his daughter joined the FBI rather than become a cop.
The world in which they live is one riddled with magic, caused by the dropping of nuclear bombs during World War III. Olivia is a rare survivor of the bomb that took out New York. Those that survived were very high powered magic users. Olivia is a supervisor of magic units called Quads made up mainly of drafted magic users. Olivia works incredibly long hours, can get by with little food and was at the limits of her body and power when disaster struck her city of San Francisco.
I liked how the book started out with her being weakened and struggling to stay awake. It showed that she wasn’t all powerful right from the beginning. I also liked how her main team flocked around her to try and make her take care of herself. It showed a strong woman, who is respected and cared for. I like it when the main characters are already established in their powers.
The world building was very good and the characters were all interesting. The plot was complex and kept me reading late into the night. However, the level of banter felt a little excessive to me. It was over the top and felt forced. It dropped off a little as the book went on, which made the read much more enjoyable, but it did make me hesitate a bit at the beginning. I’m glad I stuck with it.
I think future books in this series would make for a good read and will definitely read one when they become available.
January 16, 2020
Another great character
Hypnosis is the first in a series about a world where people with magical abilities are the norm. Olivia works for the FBI dealing with situations of a magical nature in San Fransisco. Her job is difficult involving a lot of long hours and dedication she is a division head responsible for several teams of agents. One day she received a visit from Police Detective Raymond Davies there's been a theft of a very special statue. The statue in question is a golden koi worth about five million. Next thing there's an attack on the city, people.are falling over unconscious in the streets for no apparent reason, obviously something strange is happening so Olivia and her team are sent out to investigate. The situation is devastating the townspeople are indeed unconscious and nothing the doctors can do will wake them not only that but they appear to be suffering and are weakening, some are even beginning to die. So begins another wacky non stop ride on the crazy train that is the imagination of R I Blain. Her writing is unique, her characters strong independent and very vocal on their likes, dislikes, wants and needs. I love this author's work there's no graphic violence or sex scenes but what there is a a dialogue heavy strong.on humour book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Hypnosis is the first in a series about a world where people with magical abilities are the norm. Olivia works for the FBI dealing with situations of a magical nature in San Fransisco. Her job is difficult involving a lot of long hours and dedication she is a division head responsible for several teams of agents. One day she received a visit from Police Detective Raymond Davies there's been a theft of a very special statue. The statue in question is a golden koi worth about five million. Next thing there's an attack on the city, people.are falling over unconscious in the streets for no apparent reason, obviously something strange is happening so Olivia and her team are sent out to investigate. The situation is devastating the townspeople are indeed unconscious and nothing the doctors can do will wake them not only that but they appear to be suffering and are weakening, some are even beginning to die. So begins another wacky non stop ride on the crazy train that is the imagination of R I Blain. Her writing is unique, her characters strong independent and very vocal on their likes, dislikes, wants and needs. I love this author's work there's no graphic violence or sex scenes but what there is a a dialogue heavy strong.on humour book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
February 16, 2024
I didn't enjoy our racist hero nor our sexually harassing heroine . And OMG, the endless banter... literally the first quarter of the book consists of the oh-so-tough heroine doing nothing other than talking and sleeping!! First she's exhausted from work, then she donates blood to her vampire staff member and passes out... if she's such a hot-shot, and there's been a major incident, why isn't she actually doing any work?? Then she finally does something, and it's use a fancy piece of police tech that it seems like anyone would be able to use??
June 20, 2019
Intelligently hilarious
This novel is an excellent story with an almost overwhelming comedic factor. It has great heart and because of the writing style it challenges you to read every word (speed readers and skimmers you know who you are). This is not a bad thing. In fact, I just might read this book again right now... To make sure I didn't miss anything. I love the MC. She is clearly intelligent, powerful, beautiful and yet struggles with PTSD and other severe trauma from her past. This book also contains a dash of developing romance. The next installment can not come quick enough.
This novel is an excellent story with an almost overwhelming comedic factor. It has great heart and because of the writing style it challenges you to read every word (speed readers and skimmers you know who you are). This is not a bad thing. In fact, I just might read this book again right now... To make sure I didn't miss anything. I love the MC. She is clearly intelligent, powerful, beautiful and yet struggles with PTSD and other severe trauma from her past. This book also contains a dash of developing romance. The next installment can not come quick enough.
August 3, 2019
Every book by R.J. Blain that I've read has ended up on my "Favorites" shelf. The Magical Romantic Comedies (with a Body Count) is one of the few series that I'm willing to buy rather than hope for it to end up on KU (don't expect it ever will). Hypnos was basically a MRC with slightly less comedy and a somewhat higher body count. Still has the aspect that appeals to me most. The relationships between the characters are absolutely delightful. There are great child/parent relationships (the love shines through all the snark). I like that the couples just sort of fall together without a bunch of drama. Foreplay is "he cooks; I'm keeping him". Highly recommend.
April 22, 2020
Fantastic!!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’m ordering one of her other books soon (need to decide which series to start).
The world in this book was a great spin- magic arrives with nuclear war. World was well fleshed out and believable. Heroine was spunky, sassy, and awesome. Hero was a great ying to her yang. Parents were a great addition. Loved the scene with the dragons!! I received several ‘looks’ when I started laughing out loud.
I can’t wait for the next in this series! I’m terrified the series will be cancelled before the next book comes out. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it won’t.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’m ordering one of her other books soon (need to decide which series to start).
The world in this book was a great spin- magic arrives with nuclear war. World was well fleshed out and believable. Heroine was spunky, sassy, and awesome. Hero was a great ying to her yang. Parents were a great addition. Loved the scene with the dragons!! I received several ‘looks’ when I started laughing out loud.
I can’t wait for the next in this series! I’m terrified the series will be cancelled before the next book comes out. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it won’t.
April 25, 2019
Excellent start to new series in 2019
FBI workaholic and Chinese American extreme magic user versus evil warlock while buying a house and falling in love with cop. Humor little more restrained than her other Romantic comedy with body count series but still entertaining. Totally unique reaction to bring hit with a nuke. Get!
Unfair to have to wait for 11 more books while waiting for Wild Wolf.
FBI workaholic and Chinese American extreme magic user versus evil warlock while buying a house and falling in love with cop. Humor little more restrained than her other Romantic comedy with body count series but still entertaining. Totally unique reaction to bring hit with a nuke. Get!
Unfair to have to wait for 11 more books while waiting for Wild Wolf.
May 15, 2019
Mean. Dear Author. You are just mean.
How dare you make me fall in love with another world, a new set of characters, and requisite adorable animal companions??
The smart ass heroine, damn good secondary support characters, and enough action to make both Bruce Willis and Liam Nissan giddy, you’ve left me no choice... actually it’s all your fault if I think about it.
This book is phenomenally awesome. Quick’!!! Buy it now!!!!!!!!!!
How dare you make me fall in love with another world, a new set of characters, and requisite adorable animal companions??
The smart ass heroine, damn good secondary support characters, and enough action to make both Bruce Willis and Liam Nissan giddy, you’ve left me no choice... actually it’s all your fault if I think about it.
This book is phenomenally awesome. Quick’!!! Buy it now!!!!!!!!!!
June 3, 2019
A brand new world
Welcome to a brand new world by one of the best world builder currently writing, populated by some of the best new characters that feel so real you either want to hug them, feed them or hit them with a baseball bat. Lots of humor, some romance, and a great twisty plot to keep you entertained as well as some neat mythology for those who like legends and lore. You really should read it for yourself.
Welcome to a brand new world by one of the best world builder currently writing, populated by some of the best new characters that feel so real you either want to hug them, feed them or hit them with a baseball bat. Lots of humor, some romance, and a great twisty plot to keep you entertained as well as some neat mythology for those who like legends and lore. You really should read it for yourself.
July 30, 2021
Fantastic world building
I loved, loved, loved this new series, and can’t wait to read more. R.J. Blain is a fantastic worlds builder. It’s a gripping book, that’s hard to put down once you get started, and as all of her other books, it’s worth a second and third read because of the intricacies of the details. Lots of action, lots of humor and a little romance too.
I warmly recommend this book.
I loved, loved, loved this new series, and can’t wait to read more. R.J. Blain is a fantastic worlds builder. It’s a gripping book, that’s hard to put down once you get started, and as all of her other books, it’s worth a second and third read because of the intricacies of the details. Lots of action, lots of humor and a little romance too.
I warmly recommend this book.
April 25, 2022
Enjoyed the book
I liked the book. It is interesting world of magic caused by nukes. I actually enjoy the banter between the characters. It reminded me of talking to my brother in law which is always fun. Love and or lust does happen at first sight and it's fun to read about. Over all if you like rj blains novels you will probably enjoy this one. If you haven't read her books ,get busy reading and enjoy the ride.
I liked the book. It is interesting world of magic caused by nukes. I actually enjoy the banter between the characters. It reminded me of talking to my brother in law which is always fun. Love and or lust does happen at first sight and it's fun to read about. Over all if you like rj blains novels you will probably enjoy this one. If you haven't read her books ,get busy reading and enjoy the ride.
February 18, 2023
Fun
A little less polished than her MRCwaBC series, but it is an early work. The FMC being a combination of a powerful magical badass, caring boss, total nerd, with many emotional issues, an extremely snarky take-no-BS sense of humor and a duck and pizza addiction was captivating and surprisingly relatable. I am really sad that this series was abandoned, but I understand that a book this quirky, no matter how well done, is not for all tastes.
A little less polished than her MRCwaBC series, but it is an early work. The FMC being a combination of a powerful magical badass, caring boss, total nerd, with many emotional issues, an extremely snarky take-no-BS sense of humor and a duck and pizza addiction was captivating and surprisingly relatable. I am really sad that this series was abandoned, but I understand that a book this quirky, no matter how well done, is not for all tastes.
July 8, 2024
At first, I thought Olivia was a boss bitch who takes care of her team and gets shit done. Then I realized she’s an overpowered, Mary Sue-esqe character, who gets what she wants at all times, although she does take care of her team. The whining was a little much for me. BUT the story is compelling and I couldn’t put it down. I’m interested in the world building and will read the sequel and see if she ever gets seduction time with Ray or if the Danger of the Day will always persist.
April 30, 2019
Out past left field..
Rj has done it again!! Knocked it right out of the park!! Only disappointing thing about this book is that I have to wait for the next.
It is a very chaotic story but so wonderful. Staying true to herself there is enough snark in this novel to make anybody chuckle a few times. Really enjoyed all the characters.
Rj has done it again!! Knocked it right out of the park!! Only disappointing thing about this book is that I have to wait for the next.
It is a very chaotic story but so wonderful. Staying true to herself there is enough snark in this novel to make anybody chuckle a few times. Really enjoyed all the characters.
May 17, 2019
Wow!
Another hit from a wonderful author. This book is fun from start to finish. I love how this world operates. Magic is caused by nuclear bombs and fallout. People shapeshift into dragons, empaths, elementist, this book has everything. Plus it's a thriller. It rocks! Do yourself a favor and read it now.
Another hit from a wonderful author. This book is fun from start to finish. I love how this world operates. Magic is caused by nuclear bombs and fallout. People shapeshift into dragons, empaths, elementist, this book has everything. Plus it's a thriller. It rocks! Do yourself a favor and read it now.
June 13, 2019
Adorable
This story was so much fun. Seriously, laugh out loud, fun. Olivia and Ray are just cute. And they work. And I love this lady’s work ethic and her willingness to sacrifice for her people. All the awesomeness. And their schedules never giving them a break is funny and heartwarming. Can’t wait to see book 2!!!
This story was so much fun. Seriously, laugh out loud, fun. Olivia and Ray are just cute. And they work. And I love this lady’s work ethic and her willingness to sacrifice for her people. All the awesomeness. And their schedules never giving them a break is funny and heartwarming. Can’t wait to see book 2!!!
July 19, 2019
I love the characters their humour, their sass and snark and their strength. Fantastic world premise (great mythology to add to the spice) and the action adventure and fun. And it is both a pleasure and a curse that this book is the first of 12!!! I so wanted to start the next one RIGHT NOW! And it has dragons, magic (who ever thought a nuclear bomb would be useful?)
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