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Wicklow College of Arcane Arts #1
The Gambler Grimoire
When Savanna Robinson showed up at Wicklow College to assume her new teaching position, she was somewhat curious about the abrupt departure of her predecessor. Then she discovered he had been murdered. No one knew who killed him, or why, but everyone had their theories and suspects. Even the police—arcane and mundane—didn’t seem very eager to investigate too deeply.
.
But Savanna discovered a possible connection with the murder of a broker of rare arcane books. Were there really spells that could change your luck? When her own life is threatened, and the murders begin to pile up, she knows she can’t leave the mystery unsolved.
.
An urban fantasy mystery to delight those who enjoy both genres.
.
But Savanna discovered a possible connection with the murder of a broker of rare arcane books. Were there really spells that could change your luck? When her own life is threatened, and the murders begin to pile up, she knows she can’t leave the mystery unsolved.
.
An urban fantasy mystery to delight those who enjoy both genres.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
369 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
40 books942 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 23, 2023
I don't like fat shaming, nor main characters with age crisis. In this book I got both of those plus overall uninteresting cast of characters. They were unbelievable flat & plain.
I really loved the setting! When Savanna arrived to Wicklow College in the beginning of the book I was excited. I had so high expectations because the setting was amazing. Unfortunately it was soon clear that my expectations had been too high because the mystery was almost boring.
This was partly entertaining but I thought the mystery would be more interesting to read about.
I really loved the setting! When Savanna arrived to Wicklow College in the beginning of the book I was excited. I had so high expectations because the setting was amazing. Unfortunately it was soon clear that my expectations had been too high because the mystery was almost boring.
This was partly entertaining but I thought the mystery would be more interesting to read about.
January 25, 2022
It's my 3rd serie by B.R. Kingsolver and I loved all of them. I now have two others to read and🤞that I like them too.
October 7, 2021
Urban Fantasy Murder Mystery
This is the first book in a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone story as there is no cliffhanger.
Dr Savanna Robinson is a professor of apothecary and alchemy and newly hired at the prestigious Wicklow College of Arcane Arts near Pittsburg. What she didn’t realise is that the man who once held the position she has been hired for was murdered. In the five months since his death, the police don’t seem to have been making much headway in the investigation. Savanna’s curiosity is piqued and she decides to look into what happened to her predecessor. When she uncovers some papers that the police never found, she realises that the murder may be connected to a rare book purported to contained spells that can change your luck.
There is much to enjoy in this book, with its wonderful world-building and intelligent and interesting main character. Savanna is the daughter of a Councilman (a very important person) and she’s in her 40s. She has a sharp intellect and relishes the shaping of lively minds. She has a dry wit and enjoys matching those wits against others. She’s magically talented as well as intellectually but she keeps that a bit more under wraps. She’s sociable and enjoys the company of men though romance isn’t a priority.
This is an interesting world in which Savanna has been placed. It feels like British Academia rather than being set in the US, with its formalities and old and beautiful buildings created to emulate Oxford University. It’s rather staid and filled with older men on the faculty. We also get to see a little of the town as Savanna goes on explorations into the world outside the campus. As always with this author, you can visualise clearly the surroundings and structure of society with a few paragraphs scattered throughout the book, from Savanna’s dark apartment to the beautiful herb garden and green houses just outside.
The murder mystery was interesting but I felt like the solution to the mystery was handed to her on a plate a little bit. The rest of the resolution was pieced together because of the information handed to her and her good contacts. It felt a little bit cheaty.
Despite the resolution being a little disappointing I still really enjoyed the book as a whole. The world, the characters and the plot were fun and absorbing. I’m glad that this is the start of a series as I believe this character deserves more chances to shine. Dr Savanna Robinson is a force to be reckoned with.
This is the first book in a series but can be enjoyed as a standalone story as there is no cliffhanger.
Dr Savanna Robinson is a professor of apothecary and alchemy and newly hired at the prestigious Wicklow College of Arcane Arts near Pittsburg. What she didn’t realise is that the man who once held the position she has been hired for was murdered. In the five months since his death, the police don’t seem to have been making much headway in the investigation. Savanna’s curiosity is piqued and she decides to look into what happened to her predecessor. When she uncovers some papers that the police never found, she realises that the murder may be connected to a rare book purported to contained spells that can change your luck.
There is much to enjoy in this book, with its wonderful world-building and intelligent and interesting main character. Savanna is the daughter of a Councilman (a very important person) and she’s in her 40s. She has a sharp intellect and relishes the shaping of lively minds. She has a dry wit and enjoys matching those wits against others. She’s magically talented as well as intellectually but she keeps that a bit more under wraps. She’s sociable and enjoys the company of men though romance isn’t a priority.
This is an interesting world in which Savanna has been placed. It feels like British Academia rather than being set in the US, with its formalities and old and beautiful buildings created to emulate Oxford University. It’s rather staid and filled with older men on the faculty. We also get to see a little of the town as Savanna goes on explorations into the world outside the campus. As always with this author, you can visualise clearly the surroundings and structure of society with a few paragraphs scattered throughout the book, from Savanna’s dark apartment to the beautiful herb garden and green houses just outside.
The murder mystery was interesting but I felt like the solution to the mystery was handed to her on a plate a little bit. The rest of the resolution was pieced together because of the information handed to her and her good contacts. It felt a little bit cheaty.
Despite the resolution being a little disappointing I still really enjoyed the book as a whole. The world, the characters and the plot were fun and absorbing. I’m glad that this is the start of a series as I believe this character deserves more chances to shine. Dr Savanna Robinson is a force to be reckoned with.
August 24, 2021
Quick, interesting read
I definitely enjoyed the story, the characters and the world so far.
I would recommend this to those who read mystery, urban fantasy, and/or alternate reality. It was a nice combination of several genres.
Many characters appeared or were mentioned throughout the story. Most were briefly introduced, especially the ones that interacted with the main character, becoming her core group for this story.
Many more were mentioned, making it hard to keep track of relationships, jobs, backgrounds, their roles in the story, etc. I'll have to reread as I missed some of the clues relating to the murderer(s), no spoilers.
Main character, Savanna, was the most fleshed out, with some of her background and connections coming to light as the story progressed.
Not quite a 5, more like a 4 to 4.5. Toward the end several chapters seemed to finish abruptly, causing me to page both forward and back to make sure I hadn't skipped a page or two.
Looking forward to the next book.
cross posted goodreads, amazon, bookbub
I definitely enjoyed the story, the characters and the world so far.
I would recommend this to those who read mystery, urban fantasy, and/or alternate reality. It was a nice combination of several genres.
Many characters appeared or were mentioned throughout the story. Most were briefly introduced, especially the ones that interacted with the main character, becoming her core group for this story.
Many more were mentioned, making it hard to keep track of relationships, jobs, backgrounds, their roles in the story, etc. I'll have to reread as I missed some of the clues relating to the murderer(s), no spoilers.
Main character, Savanna, was the most fleshed out, with some of her background and connections coming to light as the story progressed.
Not quite a 5, more like a 4 to 4.5. Toward the end several chapters seemed to finish abruptly, causing me to page both forward and back to make sure I hadn't skipped a page or two.
Looking forward to the next book.
cross posted goodreads, amazon, bookbub
October 1, 2021
I love a good murder mystery as the intrigue that goes along with it so I was looking forward to “The Gambler Grimoire.” While this read had an element of mystery the plot itself was rather dull and lacked action.
Savanna Robinson, Phd is the newest staff member at Wicklow College. Of course she was told that she was brought on board to replace a murdered professor. Savanna has a nose for solving mysteries so she sets out to discover who murdered her predecessor. In her quest to solve the murder she discovers that the victim was a arrogant womanizing cad. She also discovers he was in search of a mythical boos called the Gambler Grimoire.
As Savanna immersed herself into solving this murder other murders are committed. Now she has two goals, solve the murders and keep from becoming one of the victims.
Honestly, there were a lot of characters that weren’t very interesting and a lot of running around without any action. When we did finally get an action scene it lasted a mere minute. This read had potential but just didn’t rock my reading world, I definitely won’t be going on to other reads in this series.
Savanna Robinson, Phd is the newest staff member at Wicklow College. Of course she was told that she was brought on board to replace a murdered professor. Savanna has a nose for solving mysteries so she sets out to discover who murdered her predecessor. In her quest to solve the murder she discovers that the victim was a arrogant womanizing cad. She also discovers he was in search of a mythical boos called the Gambler Grimoire.
As Savanna immersed herself into solving this murder other murders are committed. Now she has two goals, solve the murders and keep from becoming one of the victims.
Honestly, there were a lot of characters that weren’t very interesting and a lot of running around without any action. When we did finally get an action scene it lasted a mere minute. This read had potential but just didn’t rock my reading world, I definitely won’t be going on to other reads in this series.
April 13, 2025
3/1/25: I really liked this book. Mystery, an academic setting, and the right amount of magic in the right away (not replacing detecting) is a winning formula for me. In addition, there were some small touches I really enjoyed such as magic making a difference in world history as we know it. I particularly liked the twist that African magic was able to kick out the European powers early on. There is a comment about a lack of technology not being a sign of a lack of culture.
3 1/2 stars. I have really liked several of Kingsolver's series. This one seems to be another winner.
Savanna, the main character, isn't a teenager or a young 20-something. She is older, settled in her skin and competent at her job without being a "chosen" one. The plot is well developed as are the other characters. It also reads as a good mystery. Magic doesn't replace good detection but complements it and the plot. There some good action as well.
I look forward to the next in the series.
3 1/2 stars. I have really liked several of Kingsolver's series. This one seems to be another winner.
Savanna, the main character, isn't a teenager or a young 20-something. She is older, settled in her skin and competent at her job without being a "chosen" one. The plot is well developed as are the other characters. It also reads as a good mystery. Magic doesn't replace good detection but complements it and the plot. There some good action as well.
I look forward to the next in the series.
November 16, 2021
A great start to a new series. Can't wait to see how it progresses.
April 18, 2022
This felt like a "Murder She Wrote" episode at a college of magic! Savanna had Jessica's role!
August 22, 2021
a very complex plot with a couple of inconsistencies
The plot is very intricate and involves a large number of murders in a very small town. The solution did hang together, though it involved a lot of extrapolation on the part of the solver.
My main issue was around the characters. Several times Samantha, the MC, was told that x, a person she’d befriended, had a reason to dislike the victim or was a gossip, say, and yet Samantha still kept telling details of her investigation. She behaved as though she’d never heard a thing about it. I don’t get that. If Samantha had investigated what she was told and decided it wasn’t true or had no bearing on the case, then fine, that works. But to simply ignore it?
Especially as she was handing out information about the case right, left and center. When we’re told halfway through the book that when she was younger, she’d been an investigator for the Witch Council, I was surprised she was so trusting, though it did explain her criticisms of the police investigation, and how she knew the procedures that should be followed.
So on the one hand, really liked the character and expertise of the MC (though neither fit the ‘sexy witch on a broom’ chapter illustrations)/ didn’t like the inconsistencies that occasionally cropped up. Another example of that is the divide between Samantha’s claim that her sex life is nonexistent because ‘men think I’m cold’ vs. her scoping out which men might be available and having no trouble flirting. I wonder if the issue might be that the publisher or editor wanted a sexy witch investigator type and Ms. Kingsolver was writing someone more intellectual and less hormonal than that? Anyway, the plot was well done and I def will keep reading these, though I am hoping that Samantha’s character gets sorted out.
The plot is very intricate and involves a large number of murders in a very small town. The solution did hang together, though it involved a lot of extrapolation on the part of the solver.
My main issue was around the characters. Several times Samantha, the MC, was told that x, a person she’d befriended, had a reason to dislike the victim or was a gossip, say, and yet Samantha still kept telling details of her investigation. She behaved as though she’d never heard a thing about it. I don’t get that. If Samantha had investigated what she was told and decided it wasn’t true or had no bearing on the case, then fine, that works. But to simply ignore it?
Especially as she was handing out information about the case right, left and center. When we’re told halfway through the book that when she was younger, she’d been an investigator for the Witch Council, I was surprised she was so trusting, though it did explain her criticisms of the police investigation, and how she knew the procedures that should be followed.
So on the one hand, really liked the character and expertise of the MC (though neither fit the ‘sexy witch on a broom’ chapter illustrations)/ didn’t like the inconsistencies that occasionally cropped up. Another example of that is the divide between Samantha’s claim that her sex life is nonexistent because ‘men think I’m cold’ vs. her scoping out which men might be available and having no trouble flirting. I wonder if the issue might be that the publisher or editor wanted a sexy witch investigator type and Ms. Kingsolver was writing someone more intellectual and less hormonal than that? Anyway, the plot was well done and I def will keep reading these, though I am hoping that Samantha’s character gets sorted out.
April 16, 2022
I’m not sure why, but I never really got into this book. Savannah was a decent enough character, but the rest were pretty much nonentities. I also found the whole setting a bit strange, it was a bit like starting a series with book two and constantly feeling like I had missed something for a previous book.
As for the story, this wasn’t very interesting, there is a totally incompetent detective who is doing his best not to investigate, while Savannah attempts to keep prodding with new snippets of information. To try to liven up the story the author seems to have only two strategies, one is to keep suggesting possible romantic entanglements and the other is to just produce another dead body.
The way the murders are sorted out at the end of the book has nothing to do with any of the investigations and it was really a bit of an anticlimax.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, but I have made this two because Savannah was quite interesting at times.
As for the story, this wasn’t very interesting, there is a totally incompetent detective who is doing his best not to investigate, while Savannah attempts to keep prodding with new snippets of information. To try to liven up the story the author seems to have only two strategies, one is to keep suggesting possible romantic entanglements and the other is to just produce another dead body.
The way the murders are sorted out at the end of the book has nothing to do with any of the investigations and it was really a bit of an anticlimax.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, but I have made this two because Savannah was quite interesting at times.
June 29, 2022
Clever and entertaining. Like the heroine a lot.
August 22, 2021
Thoroughly Enjoyable Cozy Paranormal Mystery
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I love that the main characters are mature adults instead of barely into their 20s with no experience of the world yet. I liked that there was a hint of possible romance to come in future books. The mystery was interesting, but the majority of this first book was really focused on the world-building. The descriptions of the college campus and the town and the people really helped me to build a rich picture of the story's setting in my head. I'll definitely be reading the next book when it's published.
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I love that the main characters are mature adults instead of barely into their 20s with no experience of the world yet. I liked that there was a hint of possible romance to come in future books. The mystery was interesting, but the majority of this first book was really focused on the world-building. The descriptions of the college campus and the town and the people really helped me to build a rich picture of the story's setting in my head. I'll definitely be reading the next book when it's published.
September 19, 2021
Slow moving
This book takes the cozy mystery genre in a reasonably interesting direction, but the pacing, which is fairly standard for a cozy mystery, is slow to the point that I couldn’t get into it. I enjoyed the characters, for the most part, however naming the murder victim “Brett Kavanaugh” which is the same name as the binge-drinking alcoholic, I-like-beer, rapey, creep Supreme Court Justice meant that I didn’t care one way or the other if the protagonist ever found his killer. If anything, it took me out of the AU every time his name was mentioned.
In addition to the murder, the other part of the mystery is about some missing spell book, which is the same issue that Hailey Edwards is taking on in her latest murder mystery series. Frankly, a missing grimoire that people are willing to kill for is far less exciting than I imagine either author anticipated. Since the authors are waiting until some future date to discuss why the book is altogether that important, I don’t see the allure.
This book takes the cozy mystery genre in a reasonably interesting direction, but the pacing, which is fairly standard for a cozy mystery, is slow to the point that I couldn’t get into it. I enjoyed the characters, for the most part, however naming the murder victim “Brett Kavanaugh” which is the same name as the binge-drinking alcoholic, I-like-beer, rapey, creep Supreme Court Justice meant that I didn’t care one way or the other if the protagonist ever found his killer. If anything, it took me out of the AU every time his name was mentioned.
In addition to the murder, the other part of the mystery is about some missing spell book, which is the same issue that Hailey Edwards is taking on in her latest murder mystery series. Frankly, a missing grimoire that people are willing to kill for is far less exciting than I imagine either author anticipated. Since the authors are waiting until some future date to discuss why the book is altogether that important, I don’t see the allure.
February 11, 2025
I normally greatly enjoy BR Kingsolver's books. I read them as a lighthearted end of my day, putting me into a good mode to relax and thus sleep.
This book was great for going to sleep because I was a tad bored by it. Normally I find these novels quirky and fun. Some action, interesting characters, a romance or romantic sparks, a good lighthearted read. This book just fell short of what BR Kingsolver normally delivers and delivers well. I know these things happen and that is fine. Hopefully though this book isn't your intro to this author as she is normally much better than this offering.
It is, as per usual, well written and well organized. There is no cliff hanger although it will probably become a series. These are major pluses in my mind as I won't buy books from authors who do massive cliffhangers. Sure a tease idea or a hint of what will be developed in later stories, like here, is all well and good, but cliffhangers are a no go for me at least.
This book was great for going to sleep because I was a tad bored by it. Normally I find these novels quirky and fun. Some action, interesting characters, a romance or romantic sparks, a good lighthearted read. This book just fell short of what BR Kingsolver normally delivers and delivers well. I know these things happen and that is fine. Hopefully though this book isn't your intro to this author as she is normally much better than this offering.
It is, as per usual, well written and well organized. There is no cliff hanger although it will probably become a series. These are major pluses in my mind as I won't buy books from authors who do massive cliffhangers. Sure a tease idea or a hint of what will be developed in later stories, like here, is all well and good, but cliffhangers are a no go for me at least.
September 8, 2021
Interesting, easy to mix up secondary characters.
I have read other books by Barbara Kingsolver and liked them. This one was sort of, well, Meh.
I won't read any more of this series, but I will try other books by her.
This story had too many characters running around saying and doing random things that should have tied into the conclusive reveal, but actually didnt. The end felt rushed, and left me disappointed.
I have read other books by Barbara Kingsolver and liked them. This one was sort of, well, Meh.
I won't read any more of this series, but I will try other books by her.
This story had too many characters running around saying and doing random things that should have tied into the conclusive reveal, but actually didnt. The end felt rushed, and left me disappointed.
December 31, 2024
The first book in one of B.R. Kingsolver’s newer series Wicklow College of Arcane Arts, The Gambler Grimoire, is a fun cross between an urban fantasy read and a murder mystery. Main character Dr. Savanna Robinson has just accepted a position as a faculty member at Wicklow College, but after she discovers her predecessor’s abrupt departure was actually due to getting murdered she decides to investigate what happened.
The setting of the story was interesting. I really liked how it was occurring at a magical college, and how readers got to learn more about some of the obscure branches of magic, like alchemy and healing. I also enjoyed how the main characters were a bit more mature than something happening at a high school level. Savanna enjoys being a teacher, and while there were some romantic aspects of the book it wasn’t her main focus (which I appreciated).
I love murder mysteries, but I struggled with the lack of oomph for this one. It definitely came across as a bit too “cozy” for the way the story was set up. The resolution of the mystery didn’t feel earned, and the secondary characters were running around in ways that didn’t make sense (and they were not memorable at all). The police were also a bit incompetent.
Overall, a good read. I will probably still check out the sequel, but it wasn’t my favorite out of the author’s work (that would probably be The Rift Chronicles or Rosie O’Gradys Paranormal Bar and Grill). If you would enjoy a cozy mystery with an urban fantasy flair and elements of the magical academy trope, this might be a good selection.
The setting of the story was interesting. I really liked how it was occurring at a magical college, and how readers got to learn more about some of the obscure branches of magic, like alchemy and healing. I also enjoyed how the main characters were a bit more mature than something happening at a high school level. Savanna enjoys being a teacher, and while there were some romantic aspects of the book it wasn’t her main focus (which I appreciated).
I love murder mysteries, but I struggled with the lack of oomph for this one. It definitely came across as a bit too “cozy” for the way the story was set up. The resolution of the mystery didn’t feel earned, and the secondary characters were running around in ways that didn’t make sense (and they were not memorable at all). The police were also a bit incompetent.
Overall, a good read. I will probably still check out the sequel, but it wasn’t my favorite out of the author’s work (that would probably be The Rift Chronicles or Rosie O’Gradys Paranormal Bar and Grill). If you would enjoy a cozy mystery with an urban fantasy flair and elements of the magical academy trope, this might be a good selection.
August 24, 2021
Good
Savannah has just scored a job on the faculty of the magical university of Wicklow, Pennsylvania. She discovers that the man she is replacing, was murdered a few months before.
Wondering why, the curious professor starts to ask some questions, and more bodies start to appear…
This is an academy urban fantasy with a twist… the heroine is a little older than most university students, and is actually one of the teachers.
The book reminded me a lot of Inspector Morse… (British mystery set in the University town of Oxford). It had the mysterious murder, sleazy college faculty members (and some not so sleazy), and a determined sleuth.
Savannah is a bit of a mystery herself. The past twenty years or so were spent in California, while prior to that, she has somewhat of an intriguing set of adventures, only vaguely alluded to.
Her father is important in the magical world (though we only really find out just how, towards the end of the book).
It’s an entertaining read, setting up a new and rather exciting world for the reader… my only complaint is that I would have loved a longer story (I was enjoying this fascinating new world and its new characters).
If you’ve enjoyed previous books by the authors, or like to read a book with a mature heroine (Paranormal Women’s Fiction) then this is a great book for you!
Savannah has just scored a job on the faculty of the magical university of Wicklow, Pennsylvania. She discovers that the man she is replacing, was murdered a few months before.
Wondering why, the curious professor starts to ask some questions, and more bodies start to appear…
This is an academy urban fantasy with a twist… the heroine is a little older than most university students, and is actually one of the teachers.
The book reminded me a lot of Inspector Morse… (British mystery set in the University town of Oxford). It had the mysterious murder, sleazy college faculty members (and some not so sleazy), and a determined sleuth.
Savannah is a bit of a mystery herself. The past twenty years or so were spent in California, while prior to that, she has somewhat of an intriguing set of adventures, only vaguely alluded to.
Her father is important in the magical world (though we only really find out just how, towards the end of the book).
It’s an entertaining read, setting up a new and rather exciting world for the reader… my only complaint is that I would have loved a longer story (I was enjoying this fascinating new world and its new characters).
If you’ve enjoyed previous books by the authors, or like to read a book with a mature heroine (Paranormal Women’s Fiction) then this is a great book for you!
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed this for the most part. It has some good paranormal story aspects.
I liked the setting of a magic college, which allowed for some interesting aspects. I also liked that the types of magic were more unique than just casting spells, with alchemy and herb magic being explored in the story.
I also liked Savannah as a main character. She is smart and capable and no nonsense. That said I had a bit of difficulty really warming up to her. She came across for me as fairly unemotional which I realize could just be her personality but it felt a bit cold at parts.
The ultimate resolution of the murders came across as unnecessarily convoluted for me. I don't know that it was necessary to make it so complicated, but it's not my book.
Overall, I did enjoy most of this book. I don't know that I would go out of my way for more in this series however, as the only option to get it is through Amazon and as a physical book (I don't have or want a Kindle) and it's a bit pricey for a book/series I wasn't blown away by. If you do have a Kindle you may enjoy this as the price for the e-book is much more reasonable.
I liked the setting of a magic college, which allowed for some interesting aspects. I also liked that the types of magic were more unique than just casting spells, with alchemy and herb magic being explored in the story.
I also liked Savannah as a main character. She is smart and capable and no nonsense. That said I had a bit of difficulty really warming up to her. She came across for me as fairly unemotional which I realize could just be her personality but it felt a bit cold at parts.
The ultimate resolution of the murders came across as unnecessarily convoluted for me. I don't know that it was necessary to make it so complicated, but it's not my book.
Overall, I did enjoy most of this book. I don't know that I would go out of my way for more in this series however, as the only option to get it is through Amazon and as a physical book (I don't have or want a Kindle) and it's a bit pricey for a book/series I wasn't blown away by. If you do have a Kindle you may enjoy this as the price for the e-book is much more reasonable.
April 19, 2022
Prolific author, B.R. Kingsolver begins a new series set in academia. Savanna Robinson PhD. has relocated from the west coast to Pennsylvania to take over a vacant teaching position. Wicklow College is all things special. It is as if a miniature Oxford has been transported to settle into a rural home. Savanna is special too. Highly regarded in her field, she is also young, assertive and intuitive. One other thing, this is a parallel world. Wicklow is the oldest most prestigious school of arcane studies in North America. Wicklow is more Hogwarts than Hogwarts.
On her first day at Wicklow, Dr. Robinson learns her predecessor did not just 'leave unexpectedly'. He left permanently, as a corpse. Soon Dr. Robinson is embroiled in the mystery of his death, along with the tantalizing possibility of a grimoire that contains spells of world altering power.
Kingsolver writes fast paced light fiction that beg the reader to read into the wee hours of the morning. Book One has introduced us to likeable characters, and a fun setting. I look forward to reading the next installment, The Revenge Game.
On her first day at Wicklow, Dr. Robinson learns her predecessor did not just 'leave unexpectedly'. He left permanently, as a corpse. Soon Dr. Robinson is embroiled in the mystery of his death, along with the tantalizing possibility of a grimoire that contains spells of world altering power.
Kingsolver writes fast paced light fiction that beg the reader to read into the wee hours of the morning. Book One has introduced us to likeable characters, and a fun setting. I look forward to reading the next installment, The Revenge Game.
September 16, 2023
I normally love B.R. Kingsolver's books. I like the matter-of-fact, workman-like (or more to the point, workwoman-like) approach most of her characters take to their lives and endeavors. I like the fact that none of them tend to read as being too young. Her characters feel like adults, which I enjoy.
But ... this book went a bit too far down that path for me. The main character is a magic user, supposedly a fairly powerful one, who (again, supposedly) had a more action oriented youth, yet when we meet her, she's an academic, and is decidedly not action oriented. I liked the details of the academic world, those felt very well thought out. I liked the murder mystery aspect of the book.
But the main character felt too passive to me, too ... settled. I missed the wildness of the Rosie O'Grady stories, and the visceral, practical action of the Crossroads Chronicles.
But ... if you're looking for more of a "Cozy Mystery" this might be to your liking.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
But ... this book went a bit too far down that path for me. The main character is a magic user, supposedly a fairly powerful one, who (again, supposedly) had a more action oriented youth, yet when we meet her, she's an academic, and is decidedly not action oriented. I liked the details of the academic world, those felt very well thought out. I liked the murder mystery aspect of the book.
But the main character felt too passive to me, too ... settled. I missed the wildness of the Rosie O'Grady stories, and the visceral, practical action of the Crossroads Chronicles.
But ... if you're looking for more of a "Cozy Mystery" this might be to your liking.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
August 26, 2021
Savanna Robinson is a newly-hired professor of Apothecary Arts - a branch of the Arcane Arts. Her predecessor was murdered some months back. It was an unsolved murder. In fact, the police seem to have forgotten to solve it. (This turns out to have stemmed from incompetence, not from magical interference.) So Savanna sets out to solve it. The Gambler Grimoire is the McGuffin. Everyone wants it. The murdered man might have had it. Its links to the plot are wispy.
GG was a pleasant, lightweight read. It could have been better, but too much of the book went into setting up the milieu and the characters, and too little of the book went into telling a story. The murder mystery was lightweight as well. Clues were not so much discovered as dropped at the protagonist's feet - sometimes with a splat. GG has the makings of an excellent book. The author could have written an excellent stand-alone book that cried for a sequel, and put less effort into laying the foundations for a series.
I'll read the sequel, if it gets good reviews.
GG was a pleasant, lightweight read. It could have been better, but too much of the book went into setting up the milieu and the characters, and too little of the book went into telling a story. The murder mystery was lightweight as well. Clues were not so much discovered as dropped at the protagonist's feet - sometimes with a splat. GG has the makings of an excellent book. The author could have written an excellent stand-alone book that cried for a sequel, and put less effort into laying the foundations for a series.
I'll read the sequel, if it gets good reviews.
December 22, 2021
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)
First time read the author's work?: No -- apart from her um first (thankfully read after a few other of her series), her other books are all ones I have given 4 or more stars to.
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No -- apart from her um first (thankfully read after a few other of her series), her other books are all ones I have given 4 or more stars to.
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
February 25, 2022
I struggle with mysteries. I love the idea of them, but then to run into one of two problems. The first is that I tend to skim-read and then I lose track of all the characters and details and the brilliant reveals are unexpected and I can't always see how we got there. This book had my second problem. The main character doesn't have a good reason to be trying to solve the mystery.
At first things seemed to be flowing along nicely. Savannah is settling into a new job and asking reasonable questions about her predecessor. An intriguing file helps whet her appetite and keep her asking questions. Then all of a sudden she decides that it's a wonderful idea to loop in a new acquaintance to go break into his apartment (that the police still have locked down) to go looking for...something. What? How is that logical. Why would you do that? There's no motivation to take that kind of step yet. I read that paragraph, shut down my Kindle and went to go find something else to read.
At first things seemed to be flowing along nicely. Savannah is settling into a new job and asking reasonable questions about her predecessor. An intriguing file helps whet her appetite and keep her asking questions. Then all of a sudden she decides that it's a wonderful idea to loop in a new acquaintance to go break into his apartment (that the police still have locked down) to go looking for...something. What? How is that logical. Why would you do that? There's no motivation to take that kind of step yet. I read that paragraph, shut down my Kindle and went to go find something else to read.
Read
August 1, 2022I liked the setting, the female main character has just taken a new job in a college of the Arcane as an Alchemy professor. The characters were mostly well done and consistent and the mystery was pretty good. The one thing that bugged me a bit was not really how many questions the main character asked. As a new person there who was somewhat concerned about her safety, I could see that. What seemed a bit off was how easily the established staff at the college answered all her questions. There's usually at least one gossip in any work place, but all of them? You'd think that someone would consider her a busy body or extremely nosy and call her out on it. That said, I enjoyed the story and sat up way too late one night reading it. If you like urban fantasy, with witches, an interesting academic setting, and a good mystery thrown in, give this book a shot as it was entertaining overall.
May 23, 2022
Not a quick easy read - requires concentration.
The first book in a series is always a gamble, is it easy to read or does it require you need to use your brain. The Gambler Grimoire is the later due to the number of characters and their relationship with each other. Using an ebook will always be a challenge to “flip” back a few pages. However, towards the end the nature and experience of the lead character is revealed, it would have been easier earlier on. S usual with BR Kingsolver the world building is strongest and requires the purchase of book 2 to satisfy your need for more stories.
The first book in a series is always a gamble, is it easy to read or does it require you need to use your brain. The Gambler Grimoire is the later due to the number of characters and their relationship with each other. Using an ebook will always be a challenge to “flip” back a few pages. However, towards the end the nature and experience of the lead character is revealed, it would have been easier earlier on. S usual with BR Kingsolver the world building is strongest and requires the purchase of book 2 to satisfy your need for more stories.
June 29, 2023
More cosy than suspense
Really, no suspense at all. Anyway, well written and paced, etc. Kingsolver is a pro and knows how to put together a solid story. I didn't connect with Savannah on any real level; her most interesting bits of characterization came in the last two chapters.
To be honest, I spent most of the book considering the setting. The characters were American but a lot of their spoken word patterns sounded British. The students had computers and LGBT characters were included, but the overall feel was that of 1950s Pleasantville.
It was okay. Good read for a plane ride, but nothing that's going to pull you in to the distraction of all else.
Really, no suspense at all. Anyway, well written and paced, etc. Kingsolver is a pro and knows how to put together a solid story. I didn't connect with Savannah on any real level; her most interesting bits of characterization came in the last two chapters.
To be honest, I spent most of the book considering the setting. The characters were American but a lot of their spoken word patterns sounded British. The students had computers and LGBT characters were included, but the overall feel was that of 1950s Pleasantville.
It was okay. Good read for a plane ride, but nothing that's going to pull you in to the distraction of all else.
July 31, 2023
I liked THE GAMBLER GRIMOIRE, with some reservations. The pacing was quite slow, and despite it being a short book, I had to push myself to finish it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character, Savanna, either. The author kept describing her as an older, intelligent woman who didn’t have a boyfriend or husband because men were intimidated by her. PLEASE. The supporting characters were also very bland. I wish there were more magical elements, too.
I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.
I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.
August 27, 2023
It’s kind of a boring “mystery”, which is ostensibly written at a teaching Institute. Savanna is not a very good investigator and there’s really no reason why she should be investigating these murders. She’s way more interesting when she’s interacting with students and teaching them in alchemy and apothecary arts. Also, the choice of name of the initial victim ‘Brett Kavanaugh’ is just terrible and it makes you not care very much about the victim given the real world person. Every time his name was mentioned made e think “I like beer” and made me not care about the character.
October 1, 2024
How refreshing to read a paranormal mystery with characters that are not 20 somethings. Lol. Seriously this was a fun cozy read with many interesting characters that held my interest, but was not terribly challenging at the same time. The main character was well developed and quite likable. This does not read as a romance, so if that's what your looking for this will likely not be a favorite. I will be picking up the second in the series and hopefully will have as much fun with it as I did with this one.
August 23, 2021
A nice refreshing read
I'm a huge fan and was excited to see a new series. No spoilers just love the fact that the whole book made sense it was a ask one question and see what happens. I love how strong and independent each of her main characters are and this was no exception,. The book drew me in and I couldn't stop until it was finished. Another great read by a very talented author.
I'm a huge fan and was excited to see a new series. No spoilers just love the fact that the whole book made sense it was a ask one question and see what happens. I love how strong and independent each of her main characters are and this was no exception,. The book drew me in and I couldn't stop until it was finished. Another great read by a very talented author.
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