1. The old gods still exist. 2. They can inhabit a human body... like mine...when a girl is just innocently studying at the library (and maybe stealing one small microfiche...) 3. The old gods are cruel and dangerous and oh, also, horny. Actually, add a fourth thing: There's a reform school for delinquent supernatural creatures. After a little mishap where I may have accidentally set my school on fire, I have to choose between human prison or a paranormal academy for the troubled. I look terrible in orange, so it's a simple call...
But it turns out, all the bad boys of the supernatural world... vampires, shifters, witches... can stop fighting each other in the yard at God Fire Reform School and agree on one thing. They want the gods dead and gone again.
I'm not going into this twisted new world alone though. The four boys I once loved, who have grown into sexy men, are all possessed by the gods. Not only have we inherited their powers, but a shard of their troublesome personalities, too.
Which means even we're scared of what we might do next... If these men and I don't master the gods within, this school won't 'reform' us. It will bury us.
MAGIC FOR DUMMIES is book 1 in a paranormal reverse harem series.
Lacey Carter Andersen loves reading, writing, and drinking excessive amounts of coffee. She spends her days taking care of her husband, three kids, and three cats. But at night, everything changes! Her imagination runs wild with strong-willed characters, unique worlds, and exciting plots that she enthusiastically puts into stories.
Lacey has dozens of tales: science fiction romances, paranormal romances, short romances, reverse harem romances, and more. So, please feel free to dive into any of her worlds; she loves to have the company!
And you're welcome to reach out to her; she really enjoys hearing from her readers.
You can find her at: Email: laceycarterandersen@gmail.com
I didn’t finish this book. I got 84% through and figured this book just didn’t seem very magical. The plot was actually pretty interesting it was just the characters that lacked any chemistry? Sense? Flow? Female lead grows up with 4-5 guys they all decide they like her then I guess dump her existence because they all like her? I think that’s the base I got, now I only got through 84% so I’m not sure if there was a bigger better reason they all dumped their “very best friend “ but I just felt like that was dumb. This book lacks some serious flow. Few examples: the whole high school on fire episode was just dumb, made no sense. How did majority of the school “see” them start a fire when it was the female lead getting into a fight with a mean girl. Magic? Uh ok? Come up with better more believable line then that. The fact some random dude was able to sway the families into this reform school when the whole fire situation was garbage and weak. The one guy going up into a “decrepit tower to get shears” and then the female lead confronts him (mind you she left in the middle of class bc he went off to find shears) then they hook up in said decrepit tower and it’s all like “oh em gee we left in the middle of class” 🧐. This book lacked real flow. You don’t really get a real feel on your characters. And I didn’t feel a connection with any of them. The whole basis is that their bodies are housing Gods, and not to be petty, I thought it was dumb that one of the male leads was housing a female God and I’m pretty sure the female lead was housing a male god. It was hard to take that serious. Idk there were a lot of “nope” thoughts, it just wasn’t my kind of RH, but my one positive is that the book told the story from multiple views. All in all the book was garbage and I don’t know how it scored so high.
This is another one where the blurb doesn't really match the book. Maybe it matches as an outline for the series, but at this point it doesn't. Also, the entire part where they get sent to reform boarding school makes no sense, because none of them were guilty of the crime, so how were they going to go to prison? The fact none of the MCs even question it either is beyond weird. Plus the whole "The gods hate us, let's do completely awful things to the people holding them back all the time to see if they really are good people" is the worst plan in the history of ever. Especially as it's orchestrated by a guy who has literally seen every version of the future already and would freaking know. Which means there's not even a point to it! Hmm, make them hate us and then see if they'll be nice to us later. That always ends well.
There is sooo much to unpack with this novel - the first in a new trilogy that combines the heft and talent of both May Dawson and Lacey Carter Anderson, names that will probably be familiar to you if you venture into the RH, PNR or UF worlds.
Starting off.... Norse Gods have been banished from the Mortal Realm, well, just five of them, the five most diabolical and dangerous. Those Gods have returned, taking the bodies of five ignorant, almost adults. At just 18 years old, this quartet of teenage angst now has to contend with family drama AND Godly interventions, all while trying to figure out their powers, stay alive in a world that wants them dead, and figure out their confusing feelings for each other. What could go wrong?
Told in First Person, with POVs from various characters, this book rocks along at a steady pace, daring the reader to keep up while throwing bombs of revelation and violence at the fledgling Gods. Forced to attend the 'reform school', God Fire Academy, they are juggling and struggling, each with baggage from their pasts, temptations for the future and an underlying sense of 'WTF just happened?' It's intriguing, a bit confusing and fairly unique - especially in a genre saturated with Academy romances. I'm eager to see what happens in Book 2, and where they can all possibly go from here.
*I received a copy of this book from the Author and am thrilled to share my honest opinion*
Pros: ~ Fast Paced. ~ Emotions feel real(ish) ~ Love the idea that the Gods may not be so great, or even kind. ~ There is mystery in the unspoken history that is being bounced around. ~ The Main Quartet of Characters are very, very interesting.
Cons: ~ Bit rushed in places, with certain actions moving forward without adequate explanation or description. ~ Mr. Time. This is not a 'con' - but I feel negatively towards him atm, so he goes in my 'ugh' folder. My feelings will probably change in coming books because... reasons (In other words: spoilers)
First Person, Multiple POV, Cliffhanger ending Romantic Dynamic: MMMMF Character Age Range: 18+ Rating: R
What a fantastic book!!! This is my first experience with both authors and it certainly will not be the last!
I loved the dynamic of gods re-inhabiting recently turned 18 year olds. Going one step further the gods want out to rule the world at the cost of humanity. Once things take a turn for the worse they are then chucked into a supernatural academy where they are certainly target number one. Will they be able to tame the gods power hunger selves and prove that they can live peacefully will all beings? Or will they fail and find themselves locked away and at the gods mercy?
The main character Izzy is a feisty and witty girl that needs to fight to keep her place. (She is a foster kid who is trying to solve the mystery of her disappearing family). The other characters are 4 boys that have all grown up together-and with Izzy- but had turned their backs on her for an unknown reason.
The characters are fantastic! They all have different personalities that meld together to make one hot and fearsome team. It’s a slow build RH which makes you want more. This story had a fantastic plot and promises even better upcoming books to finish the series.
I absolutely loved this book and I need the next one! I highly recommend it and will re-read it many times more!
What an amazing book to read. It was a bit different than what I thought it would be. Imagine one day your a normal human and the next your not. How can you have a god living inside you? How will you control the magic. So what does Izzy, Van, Wilder, Aiden, and Reid have to do with all this godly stuff? Given that these four have a past history and the guys are clearly hiding something from Izzy this journey these four will endure will test them for sure. In this book you will learn a bit about the four of them and what they all mean to each other. This is a great read and loved every bit of it.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I was so sad to finish it. A brilliant start to a new series with a bunch of great MC's and support characters that keep you guessing the entire book. A great twist on the Academy setting. I loved it and I look forward to the next one.
Magic For Dummies: God Fire Reform School is the first book in Lacey Carter Andersen and May Dawson’s new series. This book is a paranormal romance slow burn reverse harem that starts off with teens in their final year of high school and takes them forward. So this book can’t really be classified as YA paranormal romance, but is the next step up. Sorry that I can’t remember it off the top of my head, but I just wanted to put that clarification in there since this book develops in that direction. Magic for Dummies: God Fire Reform School is a book that follows in the academy troupe that so many of us readers have become familiar with. We are introduced to five different characters, who at one time used to be close friends. But apparently hormones got in the way, and the guys made a pact to shelve their feelings for their one female friend and instead keep her at arm’s length. Izzy is a young woman without a family and living in a foster home. She’s determined to find her family and learn what happened to them. The events of one night change all of that once again. A messenger, a bright light, and everything changes…quickly followed by a fire that pushes them in the direction that Fate and destiny have set for them. This story starts off piquing my interest, but then things fall off a bit when things go a bit off-track. I felt that things get a bit mired down and off track when the authors choose to focus on the feelings and resentments that the various characters have towards each other. Gradually the story regains traction hooking me back into the story. I find it fascinating when the characters begin to learn a shocking truth about themselves in a sense. From there, the authors lure me deeper and deeper into the story. The academy/college isn’t at all what I was originally expecting to encounter, so I have to say that I truly appreciate this twist. The authors do a fantastic job making it seem like the norm, but wait until you delve deeper and then brace yourself. All in all, I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book has some fun twists, a few steamy moments, and an ending that leaves you wanting to know what happens next. For those who don’t like sex scenes, this book has at least one. It’s not overly graphic, but it’s not a fade to black scene either, so just be aware of that. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but once you get deeper into the story it becomes truly engaging.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "MAGIC FOR DUMMIES" This is my first book by May Dawson I was thoroughly impressed with her writting and Lacey Carter Andersen it's chock a block full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, magic, danger, secrets, lies, action, romance, twists that keep you on tbe edge of your seat such a a unique storyline. Izzy has been in many foster care homes she's in the library trying to find information on her birth mother and twin sister Eleena she had fallen asleep woke around midnight no one there until she hears noise like the clomping of hooves afraid she hides. Izzy looks up and sees a book glowing picks it up it won't open then it does and a bright light shows symbols on her wrist then the light goes our and symbols fade she tries to escape once again running down the street she runs smack into a hard chest. Noah Wilders is on tbe Highschool Soccer & Basketball team every girl in Lorton High notices him and his BF'S Van, Reid, and Aiden who are twins their called the Wilder Boys she use to be friends with them since 4th grade then not they all had feelings for Izzy. Izzy tells Noah someone was chasing her he was going to walk her home the Van shows up in his 2 seater car offers them a ride she has to sit in Noahs lap making Van jealous they pull up to the park and get out to walk her the rest of way when they run into Aiden and Reid. The creature that was chasing Izzy come out of the shadows they all cover Izzy when it flys right at them then disappears and their even more confused as to what happens after that. Norse God's have 5 of the most dangerous were banished from the Mortal Realm have been reborn in these Izzy and her guys on their 18th birthday, they have poweres and have to figure out how to stay alive in a world that wants then dead. Izzy, Noah, Van, Reid and Aiden are forced to go to the God Fire Academy reform school there having a hard time dealing with past baggage, temptations for the future and WTF just happened to them becoming vessels of God's and the other kids don't like them. This so well written with such unique interesting characters paranormal, Norse God's and others I absolutely love Izzy and her guys will she be able to control them it the other way around so well worth the read I can't wait for book two to see what happens this is a Trilogy. PHENOMINAL BEGINNING TO THIS SERIES!!!!
This book trapped me from the first page and it was a struggle to put it down. Magic for Dummies is an academy series with a unique twist and it is fabulous! The intrigue, mystery, danger, suspense, action, supernaturals of all kinds, gods, secrets, lies, and a medium burn RH romance with fascinating characters and an engrossing storyline….seriously, what is not to love about this book??!!
I have read and enjoyed other books by Lacey Carter Anderson but this is the second May Dawson book for me (and I will be reading more). I really liked this first story from their writing collaboration and I am eager to read the rest of this captivating series.
The backstories of the five main characters is complicated and full of turmoil, unrequited love, hurtful actions, unanswered questions, unbreakable bonds, and regular teenage angst. There is definitely a lot to be revealed about each of the five as the story unfolds. Izzy seems to be the center and glue holding the others together, though she is none the wiser. She questions how things were so good in their childhood, yet has grown so complicated throughout their teen years to where they are almost strangers, like they never truly cared for her at all. Just turning eighteen and still in her foster home, she is trying to keep her head down and not make waves so she can concentrate on finals to graduate and keep to her plan. Who knew falling asleep in a library studying would start the crazy spiral that she is thrust into and bring her childhood friends back into her life full force?
Emerging powers, hidden gods, reform school, emotional rollercoasters, and just trying to stay alive are a few challenges Izzy and the guys have to face being thrown into a new world where they have more questions than answers and just about everyone wants them dead. It is bad enough when you have to fight your darker side emerging but combine that with the others…it’s gonna be a wild ride for all.
I loved that this book was told in first person, with points-of-view from each of the main characters, rather than solely one character. It helped to understand the characters better and expose more of their reactions and feelings, making more of a connection with them all. There were a few confusing snippets here and there where it felt like the scene was a bit rushed or not enough information was provided but overall it was easy to read and keep up with. The storyline in this book is unique and extremely interesting and the characters are all great. And of course it ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. I am really looking forward to how the characters will develop further and what new challenges they may face in the next book.
This book is a great start to a new series! Magic for Dummies is a very unique and different kind of Academy book that involves five humans having the old gods inhabit their bodies. Unfortunately, the gods were trapped by the supernatural community for a reason and everyone in that world hates the gods and are scared of what they will do now. Izzy just wants to find out the truth of what happened to her mother and twin sister who disappeared after a fire when she was young. She doesn't want to deal with Loki, the trickster god, inhabiting her body, or the four boys who she used to love before they abandoned her also having the powers of the gods. Unfortunately, to find out what happened in the past and to master her new magic, Izzy and the boys are forced to attend a reform school for delinquent supernatural creatures. They will have to deal with people trying to kill them, all the secrets, and their feelings for one another. This book is a great start and is unlike any Academy book that I have read to date. The characters are interesting and I am excited to learn more about their histories and watch them develop (as they need to do). Cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens!
I genuinely enjoyed the overall plot and storyline, it’s quite unique in the fact that’s it’s kind of like academy meets prison. I’d of preferred it to be more of a college/uni rather than high school I think the setting and whole load of situations faced would seem more relatable if it were. There are a few inconsistencies within the plot, things that don’t add up or don’t make sense, or just genuinely confusing, we don’t really find out the reason why the lads and izzy stopped being friends and that vagueness I don’t like because at one point they were all really good friends them bam! Get lost izzy but they all secretly wanted her without her knowing and them it’s like swoon and she’s letting them back in her life like nothing happened? Things need explaining more, I’d of liked a lot more back story to understand it but that’s just my personal preference. It’s a really good book if you want something to pass time and get over a book hangover and I’ll be interested to see where the story goes, I’d of put 3.5* because of the vagueness but I genuinely did enjoy the story hence the 4*
May Dawson and Lacey Carter Andersen are both fairly new authors to me having only read a handful of each of their books, and when I read the synopsis to this book I was really intrigued by the premise of the story so jumped on it as soon as I could. The story pulled me in straight from chapter one, I ended up reading the whole story in just one sitting and eager to find out what happens in book two when it comes out.
The backgrounds of each character and all five as a group are well thought out giving a unique sense to each character as they are intertwined into an engrossing and sometimes edge of your seat storyline. Pulling together not just supernatural elements but also that of Norse gods (my favourites by the way) this story leaves you not wanting to put the book down form the get-go as you go on a journey with the characters as they are thrust into a world they couldn't comprehend. Add in suspense and a medium burn RH storyline make a fascinating combination that will leave you wanting more.
I have to say that after reading the blurb i was hooked on reading Magic For Dummies. I liked the idea of the female lead, and then four past loves having to share their bodies with old gods. Having to navigate that all together was very interesting to me. And these two authors did not disappoint.
In Magic For Dummies we are introduced to Izzy. A young girl trying to investigate what happened to her mom and sister, her life changes one night. When she just so happens to run into some old loves, and then something strange happens. What follows sends Izzy and the guys into a whole new world where fires start with anger, and a school just so happens to burn down. Izzy and her guys are sent to a new school. One where they are not wanted because what is inside them. Izzy and the guys are in for a wild ride.
I really enjoyed this introduction into this series about old norse gods taking over these kids. The back and forth of control, the story itself and the characters all kept my attention until the end. I want to see where this series goes.
I've read myth based books, and I've read books of reincarnated heroes. This book has gods but it's less reincarnation and more of an almost parasitic possession because while yes, the gods were ended/imprisoned/whatever the heroes are unwilling hosts for them. It's an angle I hadn't read yet. Normally they're the descendants or reincarnations of the gods or somehow gain the power of the gods. But these kids have the gods actually sharing their bodies and speaking in their minds. And they are NOT on the same side.
Because these characters were ordinary humans, the crash course into the supernatural world is rough. The gods want to take over their bodies, every other supernatural wants them dead to prevent the gods from rising again, and now these friends are forced back together and the sexual tension might just undo everything.
I'm enjoying the world building. I love the characters and seeing their similarities and differences with their gods. I love the theme of loyalty and friendship. I was just super impressed with this book.
The book starts with a very tense sequence after closing in a dark, deserted library, except for whatever is stalking closer. Isabelle (Izzy) was searching for what happened when her mother disappeared after a fire when she was small. Escaping the stalker, she literally runs into Noah, one of her four crushes. Watch for the changing PoV at the beginning of chapters. Van gives Noah and her a ride home but as they cut through the park, they meet Reid and Aiden. A mysterious, supernatural creature on an eight-legged horse gives them a prophecy. Then they burn...The gods have been reborn in them after eighteen years of banishment and everything changes. Keep careful note of the characters and the gods they host: Izzy is Loki, the trickster; Van Wellington is Tyr, god of war; Reid is Hel, ruler of Hel; his twin, Aiden is Thor, god of thunder and lightning; and Noah Wilder is Odin, god of healing and knowledge. The gods want to regain their power at the expense of humans and fae and anything else. The tension mounts as the battle between the human natures and the god powers intensifies.
I loved this book this was my first time reading a May Dawson book and all I can say is in so glad I found her. This book had me hooked from the first page we meet Izzy after she falls asleep at the library whilst looking for information on her mum and sister whilst there she realizes that it's after midnight and she has just turned 18, but more importantly that she is not alone and must escape from what ever is stalking her after taking a wrong turn she has to hide while hidden she finds a book that she is drawn to once opened it starts to glow and Izzy is marked on her wrist with a symbol she doesn't understand ,That's when her whole life changes, She is reunited with the 4 lads she grew up with and who had all of a sudden stopped caring and hanging out with her but they did so as they are all in love with her. They all get in to trouble after an incident at school and get arrested there only way out is to attend God Fire Academy and discover who they are and what they are becoming
May Dawson and Lacey Carter Anderson each apart are fabulous but together the Magic really happens!!!! I love the dynamics and back storey around Izzy and her 4 childhood friends and how their relationships have suffered in the past but now they are drawn together when their lives are turned upside down as they turn 18 and they transition to become vessels for the Gods. So not only do they need to contend with their emerging feelings they also need to try and supress the evil side of their God nature and stop the Gods from taking them over fully as they will then be lost passengers in their own bodies as the Gods look to rule the world once more. Oh and all of this in an Academy setting where all the other pupils hate them add to it that this is a RH but a medium burn rather than slow burn and you end up with a book that draws you in from the first few pages and hold you right until the end. Be warned this book will either keep you up late at night as you won’t want to stop until you have finished or will eat into your working day as a snippet here and there just isn’t enough, you will end up sneak reading just to see what happens next.
So the guys are the basic RH fill in the blanks, the jock, the bad boy, the nerd, etc....however there is a lot if deviation from the norm, which is wonderful and unique. The whole harem are all the newbies, instead of just the girl. There is history with them all, which isnt hateful or bullying, just growing up and changing. With them all being new, they all have to learn and stick together. It's nice to see that it's not just the FMC having to learn and push her way through a different world. With the change affecting all of them, they are pushed closer and the relationship matures. I can't wait to see where it takes all of them. The use if gods versus shifter/vampire/witch. Isn't a common choice in RH, thenorse gods are a completely new set up for me. I say read and enjoy
GODS, literally! This book was amazing. I could NOT put it down. When a book is read in a matter of a few hours, you know you are on to something. Once this party of five all turn 18, their whole lives change completely. Who would have ever imagined these teens, once childhood friends, would have another personality locked away inside them. Trouble causes their lives to change drastically and they must depend on each other to make it through and make sure that they each stay grounded to who they are. To top things off, who wouldn’t want to be loved by the four hunks that Izzy has called friends and crushed on hard when she was younger. It was a very easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have enjoyed books by both of these authors, so I was rather excited to see that the collaborated to write a new and interesting series. I love the premise of this in that there usually isn't much with the Norse Gods, so even though they aren't full out, it is still interesting to see these representations of them. Add in vampires, shifters, and other supernatural beings, and you have a book that keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. I love that our heroine and her guys know each other and have a relationship already developed between them. Even it the guys were stupid and decided to be jerks about it at first. I am really interested to see where the next installment takes us.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I am a huge fan of both authors so of course I had to give this new series a try. I am hooked now on this new world full of supernaturals but our group of MC's are the only ones with Norse Gods inhabiting them after they were banished a hot minute ago. This makes them less then welcome yet they have to learn how to control these new powers they all seem to have. TO makes matters worse there is a years old issue within the group they will have to deal with. Great world building full of fascinating characters as well as plenty of action. I look forward to seeing what happens next. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
May Dawson and Lacey Carter Andersen’s coauthored debut Magic for Dummies was wonderfully written and left me wanting more! **Possible spoilers** The concept of the old Norse Gods returning to inhabit 5 teenagers is an interesting twist and especially refreshing that they were not stereotypically chosen i.e the girl being a goddess of love/beauty etc. It was fast paced, engaging and it will be interesting to see how Izzy, Reid, Aiden, Wilder and Van handle the struggles of containing the Gods inside them and preventing them from taking over! I look forward to finding out more about Izzy’s past and just who woke up at the end of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my word this book rocks!! I absolutely love books about Gods and Goddesses so i knew i was going to like this book. Apart from that though the story hooks you in from the very beginning and keeps you on your toes all the way through until that cliffhanger ending. Just wow! You cannot help but to like Izzy (FMC) and her former friends (a long story and im not letting out any spoilers) Wilder, Van, Aiden and Reid. More so when they find themselves enrolled in God Fire Reform School much to their annoyance. Only to find that when they arrive theyre not liked or wanted there. I just couldnt have loved this book more and i cant wait for book 2
Magic For Dummies: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance (God Fire Reform School) by Lacey Carter Andersen, May Dawson is such amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series writen by at least one brand new author for me to read. I can not wait to read book number two from this amazing series and anything else the author write. I hihgly recommend this story to all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Izzy, a girl looking for answers, gets some unexpected ones when she wakes up in the library. As the story progresses things get weird, a change is forced, and finding answers may have to be put on hold. May Dawson and Lacey Carter Anderson have created an exciting academy series based on Norse mythology with a reverse harem theme. I can only imagine the surprises that are in store.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
This series starter is simply magical. Izzy is really great character, full of passion and compassion, obstinate and very caring. Guys are unique, each with his own demons, own things to deal but still interesting. Having Gods within them do mess their lives. It mess their heads, not that it was not in the mess before. There is always someone around the corner who want to kill them, and sometimes even inside them. It was interesting to watch all this story play before us. I will be waiting impatiently for next part.
This is an interesting concept that turns into a great story. What happens if the old gods come back, but they are trapped inside ordinary human teenagers? Well you have Magic For Dummies. I really enjoyed reading this and getting to know all the different characters and their points of view, and their take on why they are not friends with Izzy anymore. It will be interesting to see where this series goes
This book started out with a bang. And the fireworks kept coming. I have yet to read a book with this type of plot. My fear spiked with Izzy’s in the beginning and the more that happened the more I was pulled into all the group. I love the complexities of the characters and their personal struggles, and I love the inner fight with the gods. This is the makings of a great series.