The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane, #2) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jan 03, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it

The Mage in Black picks up where the story concluded in The Red Headed Step-child. Sabina has accepted her grandmothers betrayal and goes to New York to meet her twin sister.
It's unusual in the genre for the story to change location (and it does so again in Green Eyed Demon), it's an original idea that allows Wells to naturally introduce new characters and increase the appeal of the world. Plus cue the symbolism (New York = Big Apple (vampire poison)
Meeting her sister for the first time is almo The Mage in Black picks up where the story concluded in The Red Headed Step-child. Sabina has accepted her grandmothers betrayal and goes to New York to meet her twin sister.
It's unusual in the genre for the story to change location (and it does so again in Green Eyed Demon), it's an original idea that allows Wells to naturally introduce new characters and increase the appeal of the world. Plus cue the symbolism (New York = Big Apple (vampire poison)
Meeting her sister for the first time is almost scarier for Sabina than facing down her grandmother. Rather predictably, Maisie is the almost the opposite of her twin and, out of her element, Sabina reverts to her default position of aggression, stumbling into a fight with the local werewolf pack, butting heads with the Mage council and finally is accused of murdering the Fae Queens council representative.
Sabina's flaws make her an interesting character but I feel the balance wasn't quite right in The Mage in Black. It's convenient to have a character whose lack of impulse control puts her in trouble repeatedly but it's a fine line between self defence and self defeating behaviour. Learning to wield her magic should be a priority for Sabina given that her goals yet Sabina sulks and sabotages her attempts to learn. I think that Wells could have worked this idea differently to show Sabina's strengths (determination, focus etc) but have it not work so well, because of Sabina's lack of control for example, to still fit within the storyline.
That being said I like that we see Sabina struggling with the new relationships she is forming - her attraction to Adam, her affection for Maisie and her concern for Giguhl. Sabina's encounter with Slade fits Sabina's character but of course I am hoping Adam will be her true love (awww). Giguhl continues to provide comic relief and the Demon Fight Club adds something unusual.
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to being able to read the second installment on the heels of the debut. Since I was already immersed in the world it was easy to be excited at continuing the story. However it also means that its much easier to compare the elements of the book. I enjoyed the The Mage In Black but I did feel it was slightly weaker in plot than the first in the series. Happily though I get to continue the story with and ARC of
Green Eyed Demon ...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Christal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: female-lead, magic, shady-government-agency, urban-fantasy, vampires, witches-warlocks-and-mages, fae, favorites, demons, weres-and-shifters

I enjoyed the first book in the Sabina Kane series, but I absolutely loved this one. It was funny and frustrating and action-packed... I didn't want to put it down.

The first book, Red-Headed Stepchild, was non-stop action and big plot reveals. In this book, while we do get some action and adventure, the majority of time was spent on character development. I love Sabina. She's like a litte hedgehog; so cute but so prickly. While she had some issues fitting into the new "mancy" world, I liked that I enjoyed the first book in the Sabina Kane series, but I absolutely loved this one. It was funny and frustrating and action-packed... I didn't want to put it down.

The first book, Red-Headed Stepchild, was non-stop action and big plot reveals. In this book, while we do get some action and adventure, the majority of time was spent on character development. I love Sabina. She's like a litte hedgehog; so cute but so prickly. While she had some issues fitting into the new "mancy" world, I liked that she decided to try and master her magic and it was fun to see her training sessions with Rhea. It was also nice to see Sabina confront her feelings about Adam and Slade so quickly instead of dragging it out and turning it into a triangle. Slade was a great character addition, but he just can't compete with Adam.

The relationship that Ms. Wells developed between Sabina and her long-lost sister Maisie was believable and helped to soften Sabina as a character. She finally has someone in her life that is just genuinely happy to have her around instead of always thinking about what she can do for them. Maisie herself was a delight. She initially seems so soft and delicate, almost flighty, but then we get to see a strength underneath that makes her a formidable counterpart to Sabina.

All of the characters, both new and old, were terrific in this novel. I loved learning more about Giguhl. The demon fight club was hilarious and I'm glad that he has found himself some lovin'! I wish Adam had been in this book a bit more, but it looks like we will be getting much more of him in the next novel.

The central mystery was interesting, even though the villian wasn't hard to guess, but it mostly served as a setup for Sabina to learn more about herself and the Caste of Nod's involvement with Lavinia's end of the world plot. The final battle was bloody and quick, but provides a great jumping off point for the next novel. I can't wait to dive into Green-Eyed Demon to spend more time with Sabina and Co! ...more

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Dec 17, 2009 The Flooze rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, vanquished_2011

The Mage in Black is a transition book. It finds Sabina in New York to meet with the mages and Maisie. Still reeling from being betrayed, Sabina works on her magic while making new allies. And new enemies.

This installment doesn’t begin as strongly as Red-Headed Stepchild did. Textual incongruities leech excitement out of an action scene in the very first chapter. I’m a stickler for that sort of thing. When a chick says she’s unarmed, then two seconds later is gripping her gun more tightly, I ge The Mage in Black is a transition book. It finds Sabina in New York to meet with the mages and Maisie. Still reeling from being betrayed, Sabina works on her magic while making new allies. And new enemies.

This installment doesn’t begin as strongly as Red-Headed Stepchild did. Textual incongruities leech excitement out of an action scene in the very first chapter. I’m a stickler for that sort of thing. When a chick says she’s unarmed, then two seconds later is gripping her gun more tightly, I get annoyed.

As Sabina acclimates to her new surroundings, the idea of war brews up in the background…and that‘s about it. Granted, Wells needs time to bring all the elements together before Sabina‘s universe can move forward. However, the plot of The Mage in Black doesn’t hold enough intrigue on its own. Sure, someone is trying to kill Sabina. But we already know that. Throwing yet another antagonist into the ring doesn’t do much to ratchet up the excitement level.

Plot issues aside, Sabina needs to grow more as a character. She’s still playing the über hard-ass, denying any need for help. Several times over she has to be reconvinced that learning magic can only help her, whether her ultimate goal is to join the mages or simply to exact revenge. I understand her wariness, but she’s just standing in her own way.

Giguhl provides a decent amount of humor, but the fun snark that made the first book fly by is toned down considerably. I was disappointed because I recall laughing quite a bit during Red-Headed Stepchild.

All told, it’s not a bad book. The new characters seem promising, and there are hints about Big Changes coming to pass. The final chapters include much action and some interesting alliances. The real problem is I’m not excited by this series. I don’t know if it’s the heroine’s unreliable personality or the sometimes vague world-building, but I don’t have any affection for it (apart from Mr. Giggles). I think I’ll read Green-Eyed Demon, but I won’t be rushing to get my hands on it.
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Aug 18, 2011 Nairabell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, 5-star, read-in-2012

After turning her back on her vampire upbringing half-blood Sabina Kane finds herself thrust into the mage world in New York. United with the twin sister she never knew she had, Sabina has to deal with her family issues whilst suddenly having to follow mage rules. Faced with a prophecy claiming that she is destined to unite the dark races, Sabina isn't into destiny. But faced with demonic fight club, territorial werewolves and an old flame it looks like the Big Apple may be about to take a bite After turning her back on her vampire upbringing half-blood Sabina Kane finds herself thrust into the mage world in New York. United with the twin sister she never knew she had, Sabina has to deal with her family issues whilst suddenly having to follow mage rules. Faced with a prophecy claiming that she is destined to unite the dark races, Sabina isn't into destiny. But faced with demonic fight club, territorial werewolves and an old flame it looks like the Big Apple may be about to take a bite out of her...

This is the second book in the now complete Sabina Kane series (after Red-Headed Stepchild) which is one of my favourite urban fantasy series. It really needs to be read in order from the beginning due to the character development and world building. The storyline is both well plotted and well paced, and surprised me by the amount of twists, turns and manipulation still echoing throughout Sabina's life. The mysterious Caste of Nod are covered in more detail and are beginning to come out as a key player.

Sabina is really thrown in at the deep end, both with her sister Maisie and with mage culture in general. She has to further remove herself from vampire culture (drinking bagged blood for example) and also needs to learn to harness the innate talents endowed by her mage blood. Not only is she turning her back on her childhood, Sabina really doesn't think she is capable of doing anything but assassinate people and it is her insecurity that makes her accessible.

Maisie is the complete opposite of Sabina. She is a huggy, emotionally open earth mother type who paints her dreams and automatically accepts Sabina with no questions. She even supports Sabina's much-resisted attraction to Adam, who is sadly absent for much of the book. In his place is Sabina's old flame Slade who gives Sabina a chance to access elements of her old life. Adam's absence does means that the overdone love triangle is avoided and allows Sabina the space to make a decision as to which life (and guy) she truly wants.

Slade also opens a door for Giguhl, who is still my favourite character and is just as awesome and hilarious as ever. Slade's club hosts a demon fight club where Giguhl soon finds himself star of the show. The whole idea of the fight club is hilarious and the concept is well handled, managing to be action-packed and entertaining whilst growing Sabina and Giguhl's friendship.

I love that the designers kept Sabina's "Things to do:" checklist that looks paperclipped to the back covers. This installment has:
1. Survive Magic 101
2. Bond with long-lost sister
3. Stay alive

All in all, this was another great read and I can't wait for Green-Eyed Demon.

Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 8/10

Overall: 48/50 ...more

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