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Twisted Luck #6
Faded Luck
For Cori Munroe, carrying a surrogate baby shouldn’t be any big deal. She’s got magic on her side, right?
Wrong.
Pregnancy is fritzing her magic, while she has to deal with a variety of work issues, up to and very much including a huge medal ceremony involving the United States and China for saving D.C. and China’s reputation. Then the Council of Lords wants her to represent Earth’s mages. All while trying to deal with magical issues without her usual power levels.
Bombs, terrorist attacks, and work pressures are hard for anyone to deal with, let alone a pregnant woman. But when her family’s safety is threatened, Cori’s going to find a way to protect them…or die trying. With her twisted luck, anything can happen.
An urban fantasy about the things you do for family no matter what shape they wear, and magic that might change everything, or nothing.
Wrong.
Pregnancy is fritzing her magic, while she has to deal with a variety of work issues, up to and very much including a huge medal ceremony involving the United States and China for saving D.C. and China’s reputation. Then the Council of Lords wants her to represent Earth’s mages. All while trying to deal with magical issues without her usual power levels.
Bombs, terrorist attacks, and work pressures are hard for anyone to deal with, let alone a pregnant woman. But when her family’s safety is threatened, Cori’s going to find a way to protect them…or die trying. With her twisted luck, anything can happen.
An urban fantasy about the things you do for family no matter what shape they wear, and magic that might change everything, or nothing.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2022
131 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
82 books210 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 5, 2022
This is book 6 in the Twisted Luck series, and it continues the great characters, great story line, and wonderful action that we expect! The Twisted Luck series is one of my favorites – all six books are wonderful. The characters are unusual and diverse in terms of ethnicity, sexuality, and neurodevelopment. Each character is fully developed and enjoyable, and they develop along with the storylines as the books go on. The magic system is somewhat unusual, in that I’ve never run into a story before where magic needs to be ‘paid for’ by giving up bits of genetic material. If you enjoy stories with developing magic abilities, intelligent animal familiars, and great characters, you will love this series.
July 30, 2022
Caution - You won't want to put this down till you finish the series
I have to admit I have resented interruptions while reading these. Only things like food and sleep seemed to be important.
I have to admit I have resented interruptions while reading these. Only things like food and sleep seemed to be important.
July 21, 2022
I do so love this series. Quite a few editing errors, and some confusion and inconsistencies on dates/time throughout - but the story was fun and as expected.
If you liked the previous books, you'll love this one as well. It was kind of nice to see Cori struggle a bit with her magic, as she's been so Uber powered lately - which made her look at things a bit differently.
Overall wonderful addition to a light hearted series
If you liked the previous books, you'll love this one as well. It was kind of nice to see Cori struggle a bit with her magic, as she's been so Uber powered lately - which made her look at things a bit differently.
Overall wonderful addition to a light hearted series
January 13, 2023
I'm glad I got to finish this 6th installment of the series. If you haven't read the previous ones, don't read this review because it will be full of spoilers. Cori becomes a surrogate for Jo and Sable’s child, since neither of them can safely carry it on their own. During the in vitro process, they discover she's carrying twins and her magical abilities begin to run haywire. Cori must work to find a new normal amidst the chaos that is her life. It was interesting to see Cori’s magical weakness, since it left her with a new perspective of other mages in her world. I loved that this book spent more time with the denizens of Carelian’s world, since Carelian it is my favorite among the wide array of characters. It was also fun to watch the arrival of the twins bring them all closer than they were before. I know this isn't my typical read, but I'm deeply invested in this world. If you are looking for a deeply intricate magic system with suspense at every turn, then this is for you. (4/5 rating)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
2023 bk 127. Cory is surprised and flattered when Jo and Sable ask her to be their surrogate mother. It takes a bit of thought, but Cory agrees and begins life as a pregnant double merlin. Not quite noing what to expect, she is worried when each work of magic takes more sacrifice than normal, and dragging because she has to eliminate caffeine. She keeps plodding through the days of dangerous assignments until she finally lets her boss know. (She should have told her sooner - dangerous petri dishes of poxes/anthrax and who knows what, chemical fires, jumping out of planes!) But the most dangerous part of the story line is yet to come. It takes the entire family and group of friends to save Cory, a plane load of passengers, and diplomatic ties with China.
August 7, 2022
Fun series! Ended too soon!
I rarely give more than 3 stars for any book, so this is a good rating from me. I enjoyed the books very much after the first book. Thought I'd never get through the first book. It was worth the struggle! If you enjoy paranormal books, this is a series not to be missed. Enjoy!
I rarely give more than 3 stars for any book, so this is a good rating from me. I enjoyed the books very much after the first book. Thought I'd never get through the first book. It was worth the struggle! If you enjoy paranormal books, this is a series not to be missed. Enjoy!
July 31, 2022
What a fun follow up
I never really know what to say in a review other than I really, really like the book. So much fun following the progression of the characters, they are so well written. The story has enough nailbiting, excitement, rest time that it moves the story along to the point that all of a sudden you realize you are at the end of the book. So sad. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Now I’m off to buy the book to add to my set. Thank you for making it available on Kindle Unlimited.
I never really know what to say in a review other than I really, really like the book. So much fun following the progression of the characters, they are so well written. The story has enough nailbiting, excitement, rest time that it moves the story along to the point that all of a sudden you realize you are at the end of the book. So sad. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Now I’m off to buy the book to add to my set. Thank you for making it available on Kindle Unlimited.
July 18, 2022
Happy sigh.
Having reread books 1 - 5, No Luck, and Joined Luck, just to read this one, it's been quite a ride. I most definitely want more Luck with Cori and Carelian and company but this one ends in a good place with nothing imminent on the horizon. Laugh, cry, fall in love as Cori's family grows and Cori grows with it. A couple of mysteries are resolved and a few others have their surfaces scratched. It'll be interesting to see how they develop. Enjoy.
Having reread books 1 - 5, No Luck, and Joined Luck, just to read this one, it's been quite a ride. I most definitely want more Luck with Cori and Carelian and company but this one ends in a good place with nothing imminent on the horizon. Laugh, cry, fall in love as Cori's family grows and Cori grows with it. A couple of mysteries are resolved and a few others have their surfaces scratched. It'll be interesting to see how they develop. Enjoy.
July 12, 2022
Magic
Each book has been a joy to read. The story line is engaging, the alternate reality the author has created is riveting and the twist and turns in each book keeps you turning pages well past midnight until you reach the end. My only regret is that AIN doesn’t really exist because our treatment of the original inhabitants of this land have been nothing short of genocide. Not content to murder the people we also sought to strip them of their culture and language. Luckily we failed, because the Dine’ Wind Talkers created an unbreakable code that was key to our victories in the Pacific theater. We made their contributions highly classified and failed to honor these warriors who helped us defeat the Japanese both during AND after WWII! What was their reward? Reservations that kept them at subsistence levels. We need to create sustainable work on the Rez that honors both the people and the Earth!
Each book has been a joy to read. The story line is engaging, the alternate reality the author has created is riveting and the twist and turns in each book keeps you turning pages well past midnight until you reach the end. My only regret is that AIN doesn’t really exist because our treatment of the original inhabitants of this land have been nothing short of genocide. Not content to murder the people we also sought to strip them of their culture and language. Luckily we failed, because the Dine’ Wind Talkers created an unbreakable code that was key to our victories in the Pacific theater. We made their contributions highly classified and failed to honor these warriors who helped us defeat the Japanese both during AND after WWII! What was their reward? Reservations that kept them at subsistence levels. We need to create sustainable work on the Rez that honors both the people and the Earth!
July 18, 2022
wonderful
This epic story of friends love family and growth is just thrilling. I had to force myself to put it down so I could sleep. Just wonderful storytelling and imaginative world
This epic story of friends love family and growth is just thrilling. I had to force myself to put it down so I could sleep. Just wonderful storytelling and imaginative world
July 20, 2022
Good read.
I really enjoyed this book. The best one yet. Hope for many more to come . Very creative. David Schlosser
I really enjoyed this book. The best one yet. Hope for many more to come . Very creative. David Schlosser
July 14, 2022
just when I thought it couldn’t be better
This is one of those series that you can’t put down, each book is better than the last. Not only are the characters enjoyable and relatable, but Mel gives each their own unique twist, so it becomes hard to choose a favourite. A really exceptional writer, I highly recommend this series
This is one of those series that you can’t put down, each book is better than the last. Not only are the characters enjoyable and relatable, but Mel gives each their own unique twist, so it becomes hard to choose a favourite. A really exceptional writer, I highly recommend this series
July 15, 2022
Wonderful treatment on being pregnant
Loved addressing atopic I have curious about for years, combine with high level politics and adventure. I read the book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one.
Loved addressing atopic I have curious about for years, combine with high level politics and adventure. I read the book in one sitting. Couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one.
July 14, 2022
Good good good
This is a good story, better if you read the books before but not necessary. I loved the chill, not taking your scrap attitude of the main character. I hope there are more stories about her but could see this as a finale.
This is a good story, better if you read the books before but not necessary. I loved the chill, not taking your scrap attitude of the main character. I hope there are more stories about her but could see this as a finale.
July 14, 2022
Cried so much
I don't know if this is the end of not, but it's an ending. A beautiful one too. I don't believe that there are any loose ends or unanswered questions. This gave me a rollercoaster of emotions and I would love to see the story of the next generation.
I don't know if this is the end of not, but it's an ending. A beautiful one too. I don't believe that there are any loose ends or unanswered questions. This gave me a rollercoaster of emotions and I would love to see the story of the next generation.
July 11, 2022
So happy to have more from this world
Anyone would enjoy this story. I don't think it's a stand alone. I would start with the first book. But the characters are enjoyable and being friends with monsters is interesting. Each has its own culture and personal foibles, just like you and me. You should try it
Anyone would enjoy this story. I don't think it's a stand alone. I would start with the first book. But the characters are enjoyable and being friends with monsters is interesting. Each has its own culture and personal foibles, just like you and me. You should try it
July 13, 2022
unexpected surprises
I had no idea this book was coming out. What a pleasant surprise.
Such a fascinating world and this novel showed us a part we haven’t seen yet. Just a bear glimpse but it was enough to add real depth.
I had no idea this book was coming out. What a pleasant surprise.
Such a fascinating world and this novel showed us a part we haven’t seen yet. Just a bear glimpse but it was enough to add real depth.
July 11, 2022
pregnancy and wonky magic!
I love that this book doesn’t varnish on the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy, and it was fun about the various little cases. Our main character is going to be a mum, and things are changing fast! I always love a trip into this universe and can’t wait for the next one!
P.S. the mystery of Stevie is also revealed, pls don’t miss out this book!
I love that this book doesn’t varnish on the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy, and it was fun about the various little cases. Our main character is going to be a mum, and things are changing fast! I always love a trip into this universe and can’t wait for the next one!
P.S. the mystery of Stevie is also revealed, pls don’t miss out this book!
July 12, 2022
Amazing, Charming, Fierce, and Funny
This was an excellent installment of the Luck series! I finished it in record time, not wanting to do anything but read. The last few chapters had me laughing and crying. I can’t wait for more!
This was an excellent installment of the Luck series! I finished it in record time, not wanting to do anything but read. The last few chapters had me laughing and crying. I can’t wait for more!
July 12, 2022
Fun story
I love the unique quality of this story. I'm hoping to see more in this series. Characters are developed and the imagery is amazing.
I love the unique quality of this story. I'm hoping to see more in this series. Characters are developed and the imagery is amazing.
July 13, 2022
One of my favorite series
Love the people (and non-people) characters and all the stories are enjoyable and interesting. Really looking forward to the next one.
Love the people (and non-people) characters and all the stories are enjoyable and interesting. Really looking forward to the next one.
July 8, 2022
Fabulous new entry in the Twisted Luck series
Love this book just as I loved the preceding four in this series. Cori's adventures with life and magic and wildly exotic magical beings pull you in and keep you wondering what next can happen. Finished the book in one day and am already salivating for book #6! If you haven't read this series it is not to be missed!
Highly recommended
Love this book just as I loved the preceding four in this series. Cori's adventures with life and magic and wildly exotic magical beings pull you in and keep you wondering what next can happen. Finished the book in one day and am already salivating for book #6! If you haven't read this series it is not to be missed!
Highly recommended
July 11, 2022
Another fun read
I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you for this series. I hope the audio versions if the last couple are available soon.
I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you for this series. I hope the audio versions if the last couple are available soon.
July 8, 2022
So glad for a new adventure
I am so glad to see a new book and am not even saying anything about the time it took. The story was so well thought out and rich in detail I loved every single moment. I am excited to go back and see the small details that I love about her work that I may have missed in my first read through.
I am so glad to see a new book and am not even saying anything about the time it took. The story was so well thought out and rich in detail I loved every single moment. I am excited to go back and see the small details that I love about her work that I may have missed in my first read through.
July 9, 2022
Merlin's balls, I love this series!!
So glad that twisted luck series has added this 6th. This is my go-to series when nothing else sounds interesting. Start at My Luck, book 1. Be prepared for a new world that includes pain, danger, love, happiness and everything in between. Fall in love with the characters that you can only wish were in your life.
So glad that twisted luck series has added this 6th. This is my go-to series when nothing else sounds interesting. Start at My Luck, book 1. Be prepared for a new world that includes pain, danger, love, happiness and everything in between. Fall in love with the characters that you can only wish were in your life.
July 9, 2022
A Gripping Read
Love this series and this one did not disappoint.
So much explaining in this book but teasers set up for more, and the ending, was amazing...
Honestly, pick up this series and enjoy a gripping rollercoaster of emotions
Love this series and this one did not disappoint.
So much explaining in this book but teasers set up for more, and the ending, was amazing...
Honestly, pick up this series and enjoy a gripping rollercoaster of emotions
July 8, 2022
Wonderful book. Loved it
I really enjoyed reading this story. Not sure if its the last but she tied up a bunch of loose ends. I totally emphasized with her pregnancy. It was well written with alot of action . I really hope she continues to write about this world.
I really enjoyed reading this story. Not sure if its the last but she tied up a bunch of loose ends. I totally emphasized with her pregnancy. It was well written with alot of action . I really hope she continues to write about this world.
July 12, 2022
Worth the wait. Exceptional as usual
Excellent sequel. As usual Corries life encompasses unexpected twist and turns. Excellent series, highly recommended. I look forward to more books in this series. This author never fails to deliver.
Excellent sequel. As usual Corries life encompasses unexpected twist and turns. Excellent series, highly recommended. I look forward to more books in this series. This author never fails to deliver.
August 29, 2022
5 If Women Laid Dragon Eggs, Unicorns Would Hate Kittens Stars
Faded Luck is the sixth book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
This book was pretty amazing. The combination of helping to assign the humans to reside on the spirit Realms Council of Lords, mixed with her pregnancy, and the way in which her magic acted up was somehow the perfect combination of interesting situations.
I surmised, even during the first book, that Cori, through no fault of her own, had something to do with her brothers death. Especially because it seemed like they both tried to emerge when she relived the memory of that heartbreaking day. That being a twin has such an impact on the embodiment of Magic itself is an intriguing twist on this world's magic system. Cori assimilating this important knowledge will help so many more children, and future mages, live.
I knew that the author was going to invite someone into her life that would help her feel emotionally whole. I just forgot that her younger brother was the most likely choice. I'm glad author didn't shift her character so much as to make romance an important factor out of nowhere. Although, many moments in this book has me thinking Cori might be considering accepting romantic love, with how much she respects the true love she's seen around her.
The fact that the twins already have familiars already is so cool. That they will be protected by their godmothers Tirsane and Esmere is an exciting cherry on top.
Then there's the truly interesting insight into the AIN finally showcased I these pages. Given their baby shower gifts, I hope we can expect more further in the series when they have grown up and visit the AIN in the future.
Faded Luck is the sixth book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
This book was pretty amazing. The combination of helping to assign the humans to reside on the spirit Realms Council of Lords, mixed with her pregnancy, and the way in which her magic acted up was somehow the perfect combination of interesting situations.
I surmised, even during the first book, that Cori, through no fault of her own, had something to do with her brothers death. Especially because it seemed like they both tried to emerge when she relived the memory of that heartbreaking day. That being a twin has such an impact on the embodiment of Magic itself is an intriguing twist on this world's magic system. Cori assimilating this important knowledge will help so many more children, and future mages, live.
I knew that the author was going to invite someone into her life that would help her feel emotionally whole. I just forgot that her younger brother was the most likely choice. I'm glad author didn't shift her character so much as to make romance an important factor out of nowhere. Although, many moments in this book has me thinking Cori might be considering accepting romantic love, with how much she respects the true love she's seen around her.
The fact that the twins already have familiars already is so cool. That they will be protected by their godmothers Tirsane and Esmere is an exciting cherry on top.
Then there's the truly interesting insight into the AIN finally showcased I these pages. Given their baby shower gifts, I hope we can expect more further in the series when they have grown up and visit the AIN in the future.
January 13, 2023
Good
Life is good for Cori, but never boring. First she agrees to be the surrogate mother to her partners baby, then her magic gets all twisted up.
In the meantime, politics, pregnancy, and a variety of different work emergencies, keep Cori and Carnelian as busy as possible.
Set over the course of about ten months, this book follows Cori through a myriad of events, and a great deal of politics no pregnant woman should have to deal with!
It’s as good, if not better, than all the book in the series, with a number of important events that feel like they will come to mean something later. Certain denizens of the realms definitely seem to be up to something!
While I admit I would love to see Cori find someone special, I enjoy the uniqueness that is a heroine who just isn’t interested.
A thoroughly enjoyable urban fantasy, this is the sixth book in a series I hope will continue for a while. It’s not a standalone though, you should absolutely read the rest of the series first, but it’s well worth it.
Recommended for urban fantasy lovers and fans of the series so far.
Life is good for Cori, but never boring. First she agrees to be the surrogate mother to her partners baby, then her magic gets all twisted up.
In the meantime, politics, pregnancy, and a variety of different work emergencies, keep Cori and Carnelian as busy as possible.
Set over the course of about ten months, this book follows Cori through a myriad of events, and a great deal of politics no pregnant woman should have to deal with!
It’s as good, if not better, than all the book in the series, with a number of important events that feel like they will come to mean something later. Certain denizens of the realms definitely seem to be up to something!
While I admit I would love to see Cori find someone special, I enjoy the uniqueness that is a heroine who just isn’t interested.
A thoroughly enjoyable urban fantasy, this is the sixth book in a series I hope will continue for a while. It’s not a standalone though, you should absolutely read the rest of the series first, but it’s well worth it.
Recommended for urban fantasy lovers and fans of the series so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews