Magic to the Bone (Allie Beckstrom, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jun 10, 2009 The Flooze rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: vanquished_2010, urban-fantasy-paranormal, owned

With Magic to the Bone, Devon Monk creates a world of magic that’s a little different from the usual urban fantasy. This first installment was enjoyable, but had its convoluted moments.

Allie Beckstrom is a Hound, a magic-user whose talent is tracing a spell back to its caster. She exists in a version of Portland, Oregon where magic runs from deep wells of power within the earth, wending its way up through lead and glass distribution systems which carry the power source throughout the city. Mos With Magic to the Bone, Devon Monk creates a world of magic that’s a little different from the usual urban fantasy. This first installment was enjoyable, but had its convoluted moments.

Allie Beckstrom is a Hound, a magic-user whose talent is tracing a spell back to its caster. She exists in a version of Portland, Oregon where magic runs from deep wells of power within the earth, wending its way up through lead and glass distribution systems which carry the power source throughout the city. Most people seem able to access this magic, but its use comes at a price. For every spell cast, there is an Offload of equal measure. Small magics might result in a migraine; large-scale magics might mean death for the caster.

I liked the notion that the universe creates its own system of checks and balances. I also appreciated the fact that no matter what the universe has in mind, there are always less scrupulous folks who are willing to shirk consequences and manipulate the system so that the rules won’t apply to them. Magic to the Bone starts with just such a situation--a young boy is saddled with the effects of someone else’s magic, bringing him close to death.

What follows is a lot of madness. Allie is accused of murder, discovers magic can do improbable things, gets betrayed countless times and almost dies in every other chapter. Some of her actions make zero sense to me--like constantly returning to a place she insists is a safe haven, only to be threatened and treated poorly time and again. Allie isn’t stupid exactly, but she doesn’t seem the best judge of character.

Allie’s frequently inexplicable choices frustrated me, though considering the hurdles she faces I guess I can excuse some lack of focus. The romance was heated but very sudden, again making me question her judgment. The bad guy is rather obvious from his first appearance, ruining most of the mystery aspect and making me wonder why Allie didn’t suspect him sooner.

What keeps the story afloat is the magic. Though it’s widespread, its properties are generally unknown or misunderstood. Having only been harnessed within the last 30 years, there are many aspects of magic that haven’t been explored. New legislation and technologies are still developing, and various factions are seeking control over magic and its use.

I get the impression that Allie is going to be at the center of a classic good vs. evil scenario in the books to come. What I've read so far is encouraging enough to continue with the second book, but I'm not desperate to get it into my hands.
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Sep 13, 2010 Samantha rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2011, shall-go-no-further

I received this one from my NL Secret Santa, if only it was as cool as her. I think this one's maybe 2.5-stars, I don't know if I'll continue with the series, but it wasn't horrible, just a bit too contrived. I think the contrived part may have to do with the fact that although Allie's gone to school to learn how to wield magic, she's still ignorant on many of the bigger picture concepts. The magic may be elaborated as we discover more along with Allie, but in the meantime it leaves me consfused ...more

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May 12, 2023 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: how-ebook, what-hospital-scene-bedside-vigil, what-modern-fantasy, what-suspense-thriller-action, what-magic, what-mages-witches-wizards, what-female-protagonist, what-het-romance

I loved this book.

This world that she’s built is something new and different. It mixes technology with magic where the technology basically needs to be used in order to even use magic. The technology stores the magic so it’s safe to use.

It’s really interesting and different that she loses memory when she uses magic. It would probably make me stop. I think it would also help her to take pictures of important/relevant people. She said she couldn’t afford a cell phone plan, but a cheap instant ca ...more

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