A Void of Magic is a light, fun, and supernatural-packed read with a tough-as-nails female lead that you can't help but admire. The concept for the story itself is unique and was exciting to me. If world-building bores you, this is the book for you because you are pretty much thrown right into things and learn as you go; no lengthy info-dumping here! Really, it was the concept and the characters that one my heart. I loved the full cast almost instantly and couldn't help but wish I was a little bit more like Kennedy who was insanely confident and brave while still feeling human and like a real person (i.e. she wasn't built up into an impossible standard she had a lot of relatable moments). I will say that the plot arch isn't huge and this is an extremely fast read. In many ways, this book feels like it is mostly set up for book 2. We get some action and a lot of problems and conflicts crop up throughout but the plotline feels very subtle and not nearly as dramatic of a rise or as neat and complete a resolution as I often find in other books. It is still a compelling read, I wasn't bored or anything, but you may elect to read this book once more of the series is out so that you can read them back to back as one cohesive story and experience a smoother flow of the plot arch since it seems to stretch across the series instead of being confined to each book.

3.5/5.0
I absolutely adore Ms. Williams writing style. Every story I have read of hers is engaging, addicting, impossible to put down and thoroughly fun to read! This first of a new series is no exception. There were a couple of glitches, however, that kept it from the high star rating I'm sure future installments will attain. It's a great story but with a shaky foundation.

First, there is so little understanding in many of the aspects that it leaves the reader constantly confused and somewhat frustrated. For instance, why does Kennedy hate the hotel so much? There are constant references but no real depth of understanding. Also, what the heck is up with her parents? Gone without an explanation? No contact to speak of, no help when needed... just doesn't make any logical sense. There is also no understanding of the reason for Kennedy's rocky relationship with Nora, Sullens, and almost all the other paranormals. It's sketchy on her "normal" roommates, job, and life, as well. This lack in understanding the reasons underneath so many actions becomes extremely frustrating, even as we race from one crisis to the next.

Then, there is the full-stop ending (worse than a cliffhanger). This story doesn't resolve ANY of the threads! It just quits.... midstream and mid-story. Yes, it is the beginning of a series, but unless the author is planning to publish the next installment within the next two or three months, not allowing for some closure in at least a couple of threads while keeping the overall arc running just doesn't work on so many levels.

Still, the bones are fantastic, the characters extremely intriguing and the promise for a fabulous series still stands. So, I'll be waiting (im)patiently for the next book soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for the e-ARC! My review is my unbiased opinion.

I lovingly call this book Kennedy Rain and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week. I’m not kidding she was going through it in this book. Kennedy is also much better than me because I would have burnt everything down and left after the first inconvenience.

Okay but seriously, I loved this book. It was a great urban fantasy with an interesting concept. Kennedy Rain is human and the only heir to a hotel that houses paranormal creatures and sits on land that somehow nullifies their abilities. That means that this is the only place where vampires can work in sunlight and where werewolves can avoid shifting during a full moon. Her family has run this hotel for centuries and she knows that one day she will have to step into that role as well. The only problem is at 22 she doesn’t quite want to deal with the intricacies of paranormal politics especially after learning the hard way that guests don’t care about anything other than themselves. But now Kennedy’s parents are on vacation so she has to step in for a couple of days to help run things. It is at this point everything, including the plumbing, goes downhill for Kennedy.

There’s so much more that I want to say but I can’t without risking spoilers but read this book it’s great! You will end up wanting to punch almost everyone at least once but it’s well written, the humour is great and the first book sets up for a great sequel (how do I request an arc for a book that probably hasn't been written as yet?)

A couple problem I have with this book is that I’m still not sure how a family that’s been running this hotel for centuries is down to 3 members or how they have so many problems with the hotel but the latter seems to confuse Kennedy as well so I’m hoping that’s explained in a future book.

This is my first book by Sandy Williams, and I will definitely be back for more! This book had me HOOKED!!

The Rain Hotel is the only null zone where paranorms can escape from their magic (i.e. vampires can walk in the sun, werewolves don’t feel the pull from the full moon), and it’s been in the Rain family for centuries.
When her parents decided to take an ill-timed vacation, Kennedy is pulled back to The Rain Hotel, a place she wants nothing to do with. To complicate things, the daughter of the local Alpha wants to host her wedding at the hotel. The problem? The bride is a werewolf and the groom a vampire, meaning hosting the wedding would result in a war between species.

I really did love everything about this book! The world building was great, the plot kept me hooked, and the characters were so so good! I loved Kennedy and all the side characters! I mean, BLAKE!! Holy hot werewolf!!
There’s not a lot of romance in this book, but boy oh boy is there a whole load of sexual tension!

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for an urban paranormal fantasy, with sexy vampires and werewolves, enemies to lovers, and tension!

I cannot wait for the next book!!

*Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!*

The concept of this book was so interesting a bit like the hotel in John wick meets true blood. Unfortunately I didn't gel well with it. It was written in a way where it just dumps the information on you and it isn't actually thread into the story cleverly, the MC was really irritating and it made it hard for me to connect to her she felt like she was always ready to snap so there was no real tension with her story line. As much as there isn't actually romance in this book it leaned so heavy on the prospect there might be and there was far too much flirting and sexual tension from the get go so I just didn't buy into the relationships. This overall for me was a very cheesy book, I didn't enjoy the writting style or the story.

I loved the premise and the world-building that Williams did, though the story was very slow to start. I almost gave up. I am hoping that future installments will have a bit faster pace. Will be curious to see if some of the ending questions get resolved and if Kennedy maybe gets a love interest in the form of a werewolf?? Will be on the lookout for the next book.

Good start to a new series, but I wanted a bit more. The beginning was a bit of an info dump and I had a hard time engaging, but I’m glad I stuck with it. I loved the premise but I wanted a bit more from the characters and the world. And Kennedy. She made me angry because she is so stubborn and willfully blind. But I see where she’s coming from…. I hope book two gives us more about the politics of the world and more insight into what is going on. And romance! I’d like some of that too!
3.5 stars

A big thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I will read her again. I was overwhelmed at the beginning of this book with an overload into this world. But I also found it addicting. It's a fast paced, easy read. The characters and interesting, and Kennedy is a strong character with a bias against paranormals. It was not exactly fun to read, but it was interesting and entertaining. There is no real romance, mostly paranormal fantasy. I did find the premise unique. 3.75 stars

Ummm, I’m obsessed!

A Void of Magic follows Kennedy, the reluctant heir to The Rain Hotel—the only ‘null zone’ where supes of all varieties can come and be human during the duration of their stay, has her hands full running the hotel during her parents ill timed vacation.

There’s an interspecies wedding she’s somehow supposed to prevent or else a war will be started between the werewolves and the vampires, there’s also a hunky beta wolf doing his best to sabotage not only the wedding but her life as well, oh and not to mention there’s a treaty to uphold. AND as if her hands aren’t full enough, she handles all this while juggling college and work in the human world.

Unfortunately for Kennedy, she isn’t expecting her parents to keep prolonging their trip, or the secrets she uncovers while they’re away. She keeps counting down the days until they come home, ready to say her goodbyes to The Rain and never look back, but it seems fate has other plans.

This was such a quick and easy read for me, and I loved Kennedy’s character. I can’t wait for more!

I am legitimately upset that I finished reading this book as quickly as I did. I yelled out "NO!" when the last page ended, that is how engrossed I was in this story, and you better believe that I will be picking up subsequent books in the series just as fast as I can get my hands on them.

This book was exceedingly well written and edited. I was pulled into the story from the very first paragraph and emerged only after the last page was turned… at 4:14 AM. I didn't run into any obvious typos or grammatical errors. The narrative flowed effortlessly and the world-building and plot of the story were fantastic and filled with an array of colorful and enigmatic characters. Blake and Kennedy had a sizzling spark between them that had me cheering for Blake from the sidelines (no matter how much Kennedy denied him).

I adored everything about this book except maybe that it ended. I am devastated that I can't just pick up the next book in the series right away - because this was an ARC - and it's not even released yet at the time I'm writing this review. UGH.

If you love paranormal romances and urban fantasy, I would highly recommend you pick up this book. You won't regret it. I was absolutely floored by how good this story was.

Kennedy Rain has stepped in to manage her family’s hotel while her parents are on vacation and the paranorms decide to act out. The Rain Hotel is a null zone – the only one on this planet. This allows vampires to experience the sun rising and werewolves can avoid turning during a full moon. All Kennedy wants is for her parents to return home so she can go back to university and her part-time job. Unfortunately, the events that take place during these few days will have a profound effect on Kennedy’s life and ultimately the safety and stability of the paranormal world she lives in. just reviewed A Void of Magic by Sandy Williams. #AVoidofMagic #NetGalley
https://www.netgalley.com/book/229347/review/706307

Ashley mentioned A Void of Magic: Kennedy Rain Book One in her Can't Wait Wednesday post, and I found it available on NetGalley.


Kennedy Rain's family has been part of the Rain Hotel since its inception, going back generations. What differentiates the Rain from other hotels is the power of the land on which it is built and its clientele. The property is a null zone; the clientele and employees are paranormals. As guests of the hotel, magical powers are rendered null and void; vampires are able to watch the sunrise and werewolves are able to avoid the transformation induced by a full moon.

The Rain family, however, are human and must manage the paranormals by using the power of the original treaty, skill, and diplomacy.

Kennedy Rain, however, has problems with the hotel and its paranormal guests and has created a life for herself as a college student, avoiding the hotel and her parents as much as possible. Until her parents go on vacation and Kennedy is forced to handle some hotel crises during their absence.

Initially, some of the problems seem a little run-of-the-mill, but Kennedy is forced to accept there is more going on. A run of extremely bad luck or a paranormal conspiracy?

It was fun until I got to the end and realized it was a cliff hanger! Well, that was a blow and means a long wait for the next book. The first book in a series is always a bit of a problem if you like it and want the next book quickly--cliffhangers are even more frustrating! Maybe I'll try one of Williams' other (completed) series in the meantime.

Read in July.

NetGalley/Brimfire Press

New Adult/Paranormal. July 27, 2021.

First, thank you to Sandy Williams for sending me a ARC and to NetGalley for also approving me for an ARC as well! I am so grateful!!!

I am always so mad at myself when I start a new series when only the first book is out, but ohhhh did I enjoy it!

Just like with other books I have read by Sandy Williams, this one did not disappoint! I can only assume the next one will be even better.

The premise of the story is very unique, revolving around a hotel located on property inside of a void. There are a few key things that happy that feel important that I believe will carry over into book 2. First, the wording of the treaty. It seems like a lot happens around trying to find it, then once she reads it, it kids of fades into the background. (For understandable reasons!)

Second. . . Is not really a think but a who! Christian is yummy and everything I want in a good love interest. However, this is pure speculation. All signs lead to Blake, I am just NOT a fan. Not sure if it is just me or if we are suppose to have mixed feelings about him.

Anyway, this is not a love triangle. In face; there is no “love” in this book. Before you read that and decided to dismiss reading this book, know I am a HUGE romance reader. If it does not have a love story, I typically don’t even want to read it. But you have to know Williams and her magical ability to draw it out.

Over all. I loved it and I would recommend reading it ASAP!!

A Void of Magic

By: Sandy Williams

A Void of Magic is the first book in Sandy Williams’ new Kennedy Rain series. Kennedy’s parents own and run a hotel called “The Rain,” which provides safe haven for “paranorms” such as vampires and werewolves. Once on the grounds of the hotel, a paranorm cannot use supernatural abilities and loses typical constraints. Kennedy has worked for years to distance herself from The Rain, but when her parents unexpectedly leave town, Kennedy must step up and solve the ever-increasing problems and conflicts between supernatural paranorms. This fast-paced fantasy novel combines the expected vampires and werewolves with unique and thought-provoking supernatural concepts and entities. The result is a story that I could not put down until the very last page – in fact, I can barely wait until the next book in the series is released!

This is the first book in the Kennedy Rain series and its a very interesting setup . Kennedy is the heir to her family's hotel which oddly is the only place on Earth where those with supernatural abilities can feel human. Werewolves can escape the dangerous call of the moon and Vampires can once again enjoy their long, endless existence that can often lead them to madness or even having the desire to walk into the sunrise for example. A treaty has been in place for hundreds of years protecting the Rain family but now Kennedy's parents are on vacation and it looks like someone is dead set on taking the hotel out of the Rain families hands even if it means war !
I found it easy to sympathise with Kennedy as she's at college, trying to keep a roof over her head and have some semblance of a normal life. All whilst she's knows that eventually she will have to go back to run the hotel that means so much to the paranorms who vie to stay there. Kennedy knows how cut throat and dangerous these creatures can be and has no illusions about them anymore. With debts seemingly piling up out of nowhere and a wedding that would threaten the flimsy peace between the paranorms Kennedy blunders quite literally from one crisis to another all while knowing she cannot really trust anyone.
At times I found Kennedy a bit annoying but I cannot fault her ability to keep going and I did like that she truly cared and refused to simply give in. I thought the situation (tiny spoiler) with a Vampire who seemed capable of feelings reminded me in many ways of Stefan from the Mercy Thompson series although I hasten to add that this book and the situation felt wholly unique. I found myself eagerly turning the pages and look forward to more but have to point out that as this ends there are no concrete answers so if you abhor cliff hanger endings you have been warned.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A Void of Magic, by author Sandy Williams, is the first installment in the authors Kennedy Rain series. 22-year-old Kennedy Rain escaped the family business when she turned eighteen. Now, an ill-timed vacation by her parents pulls her back to The Rain Hotel, the only known null zone on the planet. It’s a place where vampires can see the sun rise and werewolves can avoid the lure of the full moon. And it would be the perfect place for a paranormal wedding…if the bride wasn’t the local alpha’s daughter and the groom the scion of a vicious master vampire.

The Rain Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in North America. The Rains are supposed to be protected by a treaty her ancestors signed two centuries ago. 5-years ago, Kennedy Rain vowed she would never get involved in paranormal politics. She went off to college, she has her own apartment, and she has human friends. But when her own parents decide to take a extended vacation, Kennedy is forced back into the fold. Thanks to the treaty, not all supernaturals are allowed to stay at the Rain. Vampires and Werewolves are given permission by their respective leaders. Others sign a 5 year employment agreement to work here.

Trouble quickly arrives for Kennedy right from the opening scene. With her parents out of town, Nora Lehr, only daughter of Octavian Lehr, who just happens to be Alpha of the Appalachian Pack, shows up with a suitcase filled with money and tells Kennedy that she is going to marry a vampire named Jared, who just happens to be Arcuro's son, and second in command, at the Rain Hotel. Kennedy has no idea what kind of storm is about to roll her over. She has no idea how far Nora's desire to be married will push her further into inter-species politics and threats to her life.

As she tries to make sure that the paranormal laws are upheld, and that no war is launched, Kennedy also comes to realize that her parents have secrets and that her life might be in danger. Kennedy can’t seem to catch a break. It’s problem after problem for Kennedy, including having to deal with Lehr's second in command Blake, and the staff of The Rain who don't really like her, as she tries to maintain neutrality, prevent a violent conflict, and investigate her parents’ mysterious whereabouts or the hotel’s financial situation. Kennedy who grew up being told how to deal with paranormals, is out of her league and up against some powerful individuals.

Ultimately Kennedy must choose: will she maintain the stability of the supernatural world…or will she destroy it.

Kennedy's Rules to Remember:

-Don’t antagonize the paranorms, Kennedy. They’ll eat you on the way to school.
-Don’t show weakness in front of the paranorms, Kennedy. They’re always ready for an easy snack.
-Never threaten the paranorms’ safe heaven, Kennedy.
-Never play poker with a paranorm, Kennedy. They’ll taste the truth in their tongues.
-Never pique the interest of a paranormal, Kennedy. It makes you stand out in the flock.
-Don’t interrogate the paranorms, Kennedy. They bite when they answer.
-Never run from a paranormal, Kennedy. They love a good chase.
-Don’t laugh around paranorms, Kennedy. Few things are more delicious than a good sense of humor.

This story was very different from the modern fantasy that we have all been reading. Our main character, at least for now, it a completely normal human with a troubling secret. She's the heir the world's only Null ground, a place in the world where magical and paranormal creatures can escape and not be plagued by their powers. When Kennedy is forced by her parents to watch the Hotel while they're away, she is reminded of why she left in the first place. Kennedy has never wanted to play referee to the worlds most powerful and deadly creature. She just wanted to go to college and make her own way in life.

Just as can be expected, nothing can go her way. A a human who is surrounded by Vampires, Werewolves and who knows what else, she has to use her authority and wit to get what she wants. There is a budding enemies, to maybe friends, to enemies and maybe lovers and back to enemies! I have to say that I am a fan of authors who don't feel the need to revolve their story around what's going on in the protagonist's pants.

All together a good novel that will leave you wanting more, and have you asking questions at ever page.

A Void of Magic was the start of a beautiful series.

Kennedy Rain is asked to take over her parents hotel, The Rain, while they're on vacation, what could possibly go wrong? Did I mention that the hotel is for paranorms like vampires, werewolves, fay, and elementals? And The Rain nullifies their powers while on the property? Kennedy has tried for years to stay away from The Rain but it eventually sucks her back in.

While Kennedy is trying to keep the hotel in order, other paranorms have different plans for her. A Void of Magic takes you on a really great adventure of forbidden love, murder, mystery, and super hot werewolves.

I honestly couldn't put this book down, I read it within 24 hours of starting it. I wished there was a little more of the story but I honestly just believe it was that good I'm not going to be satisfied until I've read the whole series. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

A Void of Magic is an excellent paranormal fantasy.
I really enjoyed the characters: they fell very distinct and I got very attached to, or intrigued by them. Kennedy is a particularly great main character: she is strong willed, smart, independent but still flawed and interesting to follow. Her growth throughout the book is immense and I was happy to to realize that her character was way more complex and rich than what meets the eye. Nora is also especially endearing.
The writing is clever and compelling although sometimes a bit cliché (I counted one breath Kennedy released but didn't realize she was holding). Nevertheless it's the type of novel you're going to finish in one sitting or keep thinking about until you're done.
The world-building is strong but I found myself wanting a bit more, especially as too where the Null came from....
Many questions are left unanswered by this book and the bigger overarching plot of the whole series (or what I assume will be that plot) comes into play pretty late. This is not a bad thing at all, it just means I'm gonna count the days until the release of Bound by Bloodsong and will keep coming up about theories about what's gonna happen from there.

Great paranormal story it had mystery, murder and a likeable heroine .I can't wait to read the next series.