Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you haven't picked up Breach, then you're missing the first book in the series so you'll need to read that before you pick this one up.

I really like the main protagonist, Karen O'Neil. The first book showed her gumption and drive to become a great magician, and this book continues that journey for her. She also shows a great compassion for others, a deep moral compass, and a sense of responsibility to using magic properly.

Unfortunately for her, unchecked capitalism is what it is, and the drive to profits and power has led some to abuse the strength of power and start harming kids. And she just won't stand for it.

I really enjoyed this one, but it isn't perfect. Pierce felt like a cardboard cutout without much depth, and the villains seemed kind of stock/trope types. But the plot is pretty fast paced, draws you in (because who doesn't want to root for the good guy trying to save a kid!?), and shoots you to an explosive finish.

There's enough left hanging for at least one more. I'll definitely be picking that one up.