Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Dark Magic by James Swain

Dark Magic by James Swain
Tor Books, 2012
Fantasy; 352 pgs.

What better cover for a psychic than to be a real life magician? I love a good urban fantasy novel. Add in a mystery and a thrill and I’m in reader heaven. It was for those reasons that I eagerly dove into James Swain’s latest book, Dark Magic. I confess I had Harry Dresden on my mind at time time. I really need to jump back into Jim Butcher’s series . . .

Anyhow, Dark Magic features Peter Warlock, a magician by trade who is carrying a rather big secret. He is part of an underground group of psychics who use their abilities for the greater good, trying to prevent crimes before they happen. During their most recent séance, Peter witnesses a horrifying act of violence that results in multiple deaths. Unfortunately, the clues are scarce and he must figure out a way to pass along the information to the authorities without getting caught. Meanwhile, an attempt on Peter’s life leads to the realization that someone is out to kill not only him, but the other members of his group as well. It is a race against time to stop a terrorist attack and to save himself and his friends.

James Swain spins a great tale. Dark Magic was all it promised to be: suspenseful and thrilling. It had some unexpected twists along with the more expected ones—and I was glad to see that sometimes things were just as they seem.

I took to Peter right away. He is smart and daring, but also flawed. The author did a good job building his character and showing his growth over the course of the novel.  I was not too keen on his girlfriend, Liza, I admit. She got on my nerves, actually.

There really isn’t too much else to say other than I can’t wait until the next installment in the series.

 You can learn more about James Swain and his books on the author's website.

Source: E-Copy provided by publisher for review.


© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

14 comments:

  1. I love the sound of this book, and even if I haven't read the Dresden books (which I want to someday!) I think that I would enjoy this one. I love books that have a great blend of character and plot, and it sounds like although there were some bits that were predictable, it was a great story that kept you engaged. I need me some of that! Wonderful review today, Wendy!

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    1. Thank you, Heather! My only real complaint was the girlfriend. I never warmed up to her.

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  2. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal (but I'm not against it either) but I like the idea that a psychic would use his powers for the good. Like robbers who only rob the rich and nasty. Ha! But yet here is another series. I get so depressed when I find out about more and more of them. I just can't keep up!

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    1. Sandy - I'm curious as to what direction the author will take with the series. He definitely set the reader up for the possibility of a much bigger story as often these fantasy series do. I do know what you mean about series. It's so easy to get attached and there's never enough time to stay caught up with them all . . .

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  3. This sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out. I LOVE the Dresden series. The first two were a little slow for me, but then they just got better and better.

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    1. Lauren - I have a crush on Harry Dresden, I confess. I really need to get caught up with The Dresden Files. I think I've read up through White Night so far. It's one of my favorite series.

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  4. I love flawed characters because it makes it so much easier to relate to them!

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    1. Staci - That is so true. It makes them much more real, doesn't it? Too perfect characters tend to bore me. I just can't relate to them.

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  5. I love Jim Butcher's series!! I need to get back to it as well! This book sounds really interesting. I had heard of it before and it didn't really catch my attention but your review made me want to read it. Guess I better go add it to my TBR list :)

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    1. Samantha - If you do read it, I hope you will like it!

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  6. I bet my husband would love this! I'll have to see if I can get it on audio for him.

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  7. I love the sound of this one. It reminds me of the TV show, Person of Interest.

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    1. Kathleen - I've never seen the show, but now you've got me curious!

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