Magic in the Blood-Devon Monk

Magic in the Blood
Devon Monk
Roc, May 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 045146267X

Magic is locked into a series of pipes made of metal and glass kept underground making it easy for a practitioner to tap into. Allison Beckstrom is a Hound, who can trace a spell back to its creator. Every time she does this, she pays an exorbitant price with migraines, fevers and head colds as well as some memory loss because magic charges quite a personal cost.

Following a difficult case, Allison falls into a coma. When she awakens she has suffered a major memory loss especially involving Zayvion the man she loves. On a bus, she meets Lon Trager, a man she helped put in jail. He uses blood magic and steals her blood which results in binding her to him. He wants her to bring Martin Pike, whose granddaughter she saved from Trager to him if Allison wishes to live. While seeking a way out of her predicament, there are those who want to use her also; especially an organization she previously was unaware existed. Allison better learn what is going on and how to extract herself from the growing messes she finds herself in if she is to live.

Devon Monk is a fantasist fans need to keep on the look out for because the author’s books are superb. MAGIC IN THE BLOOD is a highly original fresh tale, starring strong characters, especially the lead, which makes this world feel real. The protagonist is independent and obstinate to the point that migraines, memory loss, and more powerful nastier people do not prevent her from acting; albeit placing her in danger. The sequel to MAGIC TO THE BONE is a fantastic urban fantasy.

Harriet Klausner