Hard Magic (Paranormal Scene Investigations, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Dec 28, 2010 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The premise of Hard Magic appeals to be hugely given its blend of urban fantasy and forensic mystery - both genres I really enjoy. In Gilman's world, crimes by magic users are seldom policed. Despite opposition from the various groups in the community, the Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigations (PUPI) is established and recruits a group of bright and determined twenty somethings to create a core investigation group. The group must work together, stretching their skills and knowledge to The premise of Hard Magic appeals to be hugely given its blend of urban fantasy and forensic mystery - both genres I really enjoy. In Gilman's world, crimes by magic users are seldom policed. Despite opposition from the various groups in the community, the Private, Unaffiliated, Paranormal Investigations (PUPI) is established and recruits a group of bright and determined twenty somethings to create a core investigation group. The group must work together, stretching their skills and knowledge to make the concept work.
I like Gilman's idea of current, it has an original twist on what magic is. I particularly enjoy that the forensics that the group is trying to develop also gives insight into how the magic system works.
Some might find the first part of the story a bit slow as the group trains but I found it fascinating. As the group begins working the case I like that they work on the fly, stumbling a bit here and there. The main storyline is complicated by attacks from another group. I admit I felt that to have missed Aden's harrasment seemed a little too convenient but it didn't really affect my enjoyment of the story.
Bonnie Torres is the dominant personality of the group, in her early twenties she is smart, stubborn and curious, traits that make her a natural for the team. I like Bonita's character, she demonstrates loyalty and respect for her family and team, without being subservient. I find it interesting that Gilman identifies Bonnie as bisexual (with out any explicit interaction in case it bothers you)just because it is something a little unusual for the genre. There is a hint of frission with Ben that looks like it could yield romantic possibilities though.
I also like the 'Big Dogs' and the rest of the 'puppies', Gilman gives us enough information and background about them to be able to identify them. They play a supportive role to Bonita in this installment but I was satisfied with that.
I was reasonably sure that I would find the the Paranormal Scene Investigations series interesting because the blend of genres appeals to my reading preferences so I am delighted to confirm Hard Magic is a great series debut.
Luckily I can go on to reading the sequel Pack of Lies (to be released later this month) having successfully requested it from Netgalley. ...more

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Jun 13, 2014 Carlyn rated it liked it

This is the first book in this series and after reading the description I was really excited to read it. I was a bit disappointed with the first couple of chapters as it never really grabbed me and took a really long time to pick up steam.
I will say that I am quite glad I stuck with it as I did eventually end up enjoying the premise and the story.
It took me a while to really get a feel for the characters and some of them I really feel like I still didn't know very well. Bonnie is our main charac ...more

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