Stray Magic (A Strays Novel, #1) (Strays Series, #1)

by Kelly Meding

Shiloh Harrison was hoping for a few days off to recover from a particularly nasty assignment, preferably with the help of the talented hands (and, well, the rest of his body too) of her sexy boyfriend, Vincent. But when a group of vampires takes an entire trailer park hostage, there's nothing to do but make her apologies and get to the scene.

Such is the life of a Federal Marshal in the Paranormal Investigators Unit.

Yet this isn't like her typical track-and-nab case: something is going on that has vampires scared, and it takes all her strength not to imagine what could frighten such powerful creatures. Unfortunately, she doesn't have that option. Her boss is MIA, someone is snatching vampires, and there's a ticking clock that can only end one way: a bloodbath.

Unless she can stop it.

The first book in a new series, Stray Magic is a dark and sexy mystery, with enough twists and curves to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

• ISBN10: 0062847686
• ISBN13: 9780062847683
• Publish Date: 24 July 2018 (first published 19 June 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: HarperCollins
• Format: Paperback (A-Format (178x111 mm))
• Pages: 416
• Language: English
• URL: http://harpercollins.com.au/9780062847683

Reviews

[thebookdisciple]

Stray Magic had me confused initially. I felt dropped into a story in progress, but it said book 1 one of the series. After the first chapter though, I was settling into the story pretty well and found several things I really liked:

1. Unique world: its modern times but the world knows about shifters and vampires. Our heroine works for an agency that deals with all things paranormal.


2. Shiloh is tough and spunky. If you like your heroines to be independent and in charge, you will like Shiloh.


3. Interesting plot! I found I liked the mystery of it all. Who is kidnapping supernaturals? Who is creating revenants? What is up with Shiloh and Vincent? What is up with Shiloh and Tennyson?


4. This isn't a romance really. There is a boyfriend, and an ex-boyfriend but neither relationship is the focus of the story. I actually found it more enjoyable than I expected to not be reading a straight up romance.

Overall, the story was engaging and fast paced which kept me reading! My initial confusion was quickly passed but I found the ending to be a bit sudden. Stray Magic introduced me to a world that I found fascinating and am curious to see where the author takes the story from here. The blend of magic, mythology, and the paranormal made for a compelling read for sure.

 

• POV: 1st


• Tears: no


• Trope: vampires, shifters, magic


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone


• Cliffhanger: Kind of; the main arc of the story is resolved but many things are left open for the next book


• HEA: this isn't really a romance story; by the end, I'm not sure that Shiloh is 'with' anyone anymore

Authors like Dannika Dark, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews...then you will probably like Stray Magic!

 

Stray Magic

See full review on The Book Disciple

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I enjoyed this book so much. I must admit I was wary about accepting it for review as the author is new to me, but after reading the blurb, I accepted the publisher's offer. I am so happy I did. I have been on the hunt for a good Urban Fantasy and this fed my desires.

Shiloh is a US Para Marshall with the paranormal investigation unit. She just completed a dangerous mission and hoped to have some downtime with her boyfriend. However, when vampires took a trailer park of residents hostage, her plans had to take a back seat. On arriving on the scene, she would discover her boss missing and has the second in command she was next in line to lead the investigation in the mysterious disappearance of vampires and werewolves. Little did she know the danger and intrigue she and her team would face when they stepped in to solve the mystery behind the disappearance.

The story was well written. From start to finish, it held my attention. There were a few moments where I felt I was missing something but after a while, I put the pieces together, which led me on an intense journey.

The world the author introduced me to was fun, imaginative and addictive. I could not get enough. Imagine living in a world surrounded by vampires, werewolves, skin walkers, djinns, incubus, goddesses, fairies and so many more supernatural beings. Then there were the mixed breeds, magic both good and bad. Necromancy was the main course served in this fantastical world. Intriguing indeed.

The action scenes and the events leading up had me on edge and sometimes I feared for the teams safety. I loved the mystery angle, which I thought was well done. I was on pins and needles trying to figure out who was responsible for the upheaval in the supernatural world and what was their end game. There were a few surprises along the way, which has me turning the pages, as I was eager to discover what was coming next.

Character development was on point. I enjoyed meeting the characters, but my favorites were Shiloh a half djinn and Tennyson a master vampire. The thing I admired about these two is their willingness to make personal sacrifices for those closest to them and to achieve the greater good. What made them relatable was the fact despite their powerful capabilities they each had their flaws. Shiloh had her insecurities regarding her position as a leader, but she proved to be the right person for the job. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, which, was fun, intense and dangerous.

I appreciated the ending, cliffhanger free. However, the teams’ job is far from over as the werewolves are still missing.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of Urban Fantasy would enjoy this book. I found it enjoyable and cannot wait to get my hand on the next book in the series.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Hells yes! With, so many of my favorite urban fantasy series ending I am thrilled this series started off with a bang. From the brilliant world-building to the motley crew, and parental units that will give you nightmares.  There is even a sexy four-hundred-year-old vampire. I am doing the happy dance!

I first met our heroine, in the novella, Freak House. published in the Carniepunk Anthology. Someone holds Shiloh's father, an ancient djinn, captive along with others. During the rescue Shiloh meets Julius the current commander of her paranormal unit. While unnecessary to read Freak House,  I appreciated the history.

When vampires take over a trailer park, they call the unit in, only their leader Julius is missing putting Harrison in command. Vampires are missing as are werewolves and it has both in fear. The tale that unfolds was addictive with plenty of action and banter. The clock is ticking and Harrison will have to trust a master vampire to aid her. Before the case is over, Harrison and her team will meet a revenant and necromancer, encounter creepy dark magic, face death, seek answers from a witch and strike a deal that will cost Harrison something she cannot get back.

I loved Stray Magic from beginning to the end. The pacing and world-building was fantastic, addictive and filled with characters I want to learn more about. The case wraps up enough to give us a sense of closure.  However, the werewolves are still missing which has left me counting down the days until the release of Stray Moon. Melding is a seasoned author and I am sorry I haven't explored her books sooner. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer