I'm back in the beautiful world of Alexandra Ivy's Magic for Hire series, and I've missed it! The courageous Skye Claremont and the brooding vampire, Micha, return in the sequel, Ancient Magic. This urban fantasy is a great combination of mystery, kidnapping, and searing romance, and I couldn't get enough.

Skye's journey is both tragic and exciting. She's a character full of power and tenacity, having spent ten years bound to a demon gang as a result of her father's terrible decisions. I enjoyed how her emotional depth and oracular abilities gave nuances to the plot. And then there's Micha—tall, dark, and mysterious, with a bright mind and a hint of arrogance. The chemistry between them is intense, and their escapades kept me on the edge of my seat!

The language is vibrant, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. I was absolutely engrossed in the action, and the world-building is fantastic, though I wish we had learnt more about the Gyre. Overall, this novel is a fast-paced adrenaline rush that paranormal romance enthusiasts will not want to miss. I cannot wait to see what Ivy has in store for us next!

I am SO glad the first book was not a stand-alone title. Ancient Magic is a wonderful continuation of the series and I enjoyed it even more than Wild Magic. Peri's magic sister, Skye, is an easy character to love and root for, and the chemistry between her and Micah is believable throughout the book. I'm looking forward to Maya's book, next, and hoping that Joe's mention of her collecting more mages means this series will continue beyond three books (fingers crossed!).

ANCIENT MAGIC (Magic for Hire book 2) by Alexandra Ivy
This is the second book of the new paranormal series by Ms Ivy.
Once again, she has a strong well written start with Valen, the vampire and Peri who is a mage. She was 16 before she came into her power, fleeing her home when she realized her mother was trying to kill her to absorb her power. Valen is in charge of the Gyre. When all the witches in her previous coven are dead including her mother, Peri goes investigating and Valen goes with her. This is 4 stars.

Great addition to this series, I will venture to say best of the series (so far). Micha & Skye have an interesting chemistry that I really enjoyed. I like the bit of mystery woven into the story; it kept me hooked trying to figure out who was responsible for the chaos. Looking forward to the next one.

Another good book in the Magic for Hire series! I really like the world Alexandra Ivy has set up and I am greatly looking forward to how she solves some of the problems that have come up. Following Skye and Micha was fun, and I really enjoyed how he was immediately down bad for her.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first one. Maybe because the world building was fairly established?
The leads were enjoyable together and separately. Micah was not your he-man MMC, he's patient and reserved. Skye is similar, she stands up for herself but isn't going out looking for a battle.
These books leave me with an incomplete feeling when they are over. Like the couple and immediate situation are handled, but it all feels HFN.
I do look forward to the last book and uncovering a few more secrets.

Micha and Skye are kidnapped from New York and taken to New Orleans in search of an ancient artifact.  Skye see's visions of the world erupting in flames as she and Micha race against time to prevent this disaster.  
Skye has come to support her best friend Peri as she and her husband the leader of the demon world in New York host members of the vampire cabal who have come to ensure that Peri's ability to tap into the Wild Magic does not threaten the demon world, vampires in particular.  Along the way, Skye gets sucked into a plot to dominate the demon world, while cabal member Micha is kidnapped to provide access to a sword that will pave the way. 
After escaping, Micha and Skye partner up to figure out what's going on and how to prevent Armageddon.  Of course, they didn't figure that in addition to all the excitement and adrenaline, there is off the charts chemistry that flares between them. 
The action and the unfolding story will keep you enthralled and of course as always rooting for the good guys. I certainly never saw some of the twists and turns in the plot as it unfolds. 
I am so enjoying this series, and highly recommend that you read the first book Wild Magic before reading this one.  I can't wait for the next chapter in the series to unfold.

Ancient Magic is book 2 in the Magic for Hire Series by Alexandra Ivy. I fell in love with her writing style when I started her romantic humor\suspense series. I found no matter what she writes I love it! The way she creates characters who come to life pulling on the readers heart strings. Keeping readers hooked with a need to know what will happen next.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Ancient Madic by Alexandra Ivy.

This is the second book in the series, and while it refers to previous events, this time the story is about Skye.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first one. We get to see more vampires and there is not as much traveling. There is still mystery and a bit of romance.

I mostly liked Skye as a character, but at times I was really confused about her decisions.

I am more excited to see what's gonna happen in the next book, where we get Maya's story

Ancient Magic is the second book in the series and an exciting and enjoyable follow up to book one. Interesting characters, a good plot and captivating storyline kept my attention from start to finish. I'm sure the next book will be just as entertaining.

The second book in Magic for Hire, Ancient Magic takes us back into the magical world of witches, vampires and demons. Suspense, action and betrayal pull you into this fabulous story. The characters are well thought out and the story delivered perfectly. I loved this story, and I know others who like a good paranormal fantasy will too. So, jump on board and grab your copy.

ANCIENT MAGIC will draw you into a paranormal romance that is sometimes a dark, twisted story that only good and love can combat.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=87464

Skye is a mage with a single gift: seer. I like that Ivy doesn’t create a character that is all powerful, but instead must store the power of spells in her charm bracelet. Then there are the vampires. Thankfully, there isn’t a lot of “I must suck your blood” early 2000’s energy. I’m pretty much over that. Vampires seem to be making a resurgence, but this is a better, more introverted Millennial kind of vampire. He’s still ripped and all deadly silent, and he still needs an insta-mate, but he hates people and other vampires, but likes to read. I totally understand.

After a complex plot that I don’t want to explain (spoilers) and a romance between the mage and the vampire, where do we end up? With a pretty good book. Solid 4 stars.

ANCIENT MAGIC is the second instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult MAGIC FOR HIRE paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is mage Skye Claremont, and vampire Micha’s story line. ANCIENT MAGIC can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Skye and Micha, ANCIENT MAGIC follows in the wake of another betrayal. Skye Claremont is a mage and as such was once imprisoned by a demon gang but trust came at a cost, and betrayal was once again threatening our story line heroine. Enter vampire Micha, who suspects all is not well with our story line heroine. An ancient fable has attracted the attention of the demons and vampires, and Skye may become a victim of someone else’s greed. As Skye and Micha find themselves searching for the truth, someone else is waiting to take everyone down.

The world building is detailed and complex. The reader is pulled into a world of ancients vying for control, and the possible of the rise of a once powerful being.

The slow building relationship between Micha and Skye is threatened by Skye’s inability to believe in herself, or in the idea that someone like Micha would be interested. As Micha’s need to protect continues to grow, our couple will work together to uncover the truth. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting supernatural characters: demons, fae, vampires, mage, and a couple of unknowns. We are reintroduced to Skye’s friends and ‘sisters’ Peri (Valen), Maya, and Joe, someone who is not quite whom he appears to be.

ANCIENT MAGIC is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and determination, ancients and magic, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is meticulous and engaging; the characters are determined, powerful and charismatic; the romance is subtle.



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A kidnapping and a very cunning puzzle to solve form a thrilling backdrop to this action-packed fantasy romance.

We were immersed a little bit more in detail into this world of vampires, demons, witches, and more, but new players were also introduced and some of the history of this realm was revealed.

Micha and Skye were both quiet souls, going about their business without fanfare. They fit together quite well as a couple. Their chemistry was also more subdued, but no less powerful. Between the two of them they had more than enough determination and courage to see this threat stopped at all costs.

The author very cleverly hid the identity of the true villain in plain sight. Nail-biting action accompanied our heroes on this twisty quest to save the world from sure destruction. There were some vague but intriguing revelations about Maya’s mysterious Benefactor, and I can’t wait to find out more.

This is a fascinating series if you like fantasy romance. It’s best to read the books in order.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a world with vampires ruling districts and mages wielding magic there are demons attempting a revolution. Skye and Micha clicked unexpectedly while getting caught up in a plan by a demon. Not only is the story whimsical with magic but a bit romantic and mysterious. The story takes a while to get through but it’s worth the wait. There are many intricate pieces and characters that twist together to weave a fascinating tale. I’ve enjoyed an early copy and wrote this review voluntarily.

Ancient Magic is the second book in Alexandra Ivy's new series, Magic for Hire.

The story picks up some time after the end of the first book and features Skye Claremont and Micha. It follows directly from the first book because, due to the ending of the previous one (which I won’t discuss here to avoid spoilers for readers who haven’t discovered it yet), an investigation must be conducted into Peri, our previous heroine.
To do this, several members of the Cabal visit Valen (our former hero), including Micha. Skye also goes to Peri’s place to support her. This is how our current heroes meet.
Micha is the first to see her and it can be said that he falls in love with her at first sight. He follows her when she isolates herself for a moment and this is how their story begins.
Very quickly, they are caught up in an adventure that is beyond them, notably with the "kidnapping" of the hero with the involuntary complicity of the heroine. At stake: avoiding the destruction of the world.
The summary is a bit clearer than the previous one but still vague, and I admit that I had a hard time starting the book because I was worried about how the heroine would possibly betray the hero. Note to self: continue to trust Alexandra Ivy. Lol

Lots of action, twists, and revelations pace this book. There are also several points of view: our heroes, but also Valen and Maya Rosen, the one who launched Witch’s Brew, the literary café where Peri and Skye work, and who will be the heroine of the last book (Eternal Magic, scheduled for 2025) and who absolutely hates vampires. I can’t wait to see what Alexandra has in store for her.

I won’t say more about Ancient Magic. You can read the novel on its own but I recommend reading the first one beforehand. Anyway, it’s not like there are 10 volumes to discover, is it?

Full review posted to socials, retailers, and my website.

5 stars! Thank you for allowing me to read your book!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, fun, fast-paced and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as other books by this author.

GENERAL INFO

Ancient Magic- Magic for Hire #2

Publication: 7-23-24, Read 7-23-24

Format: eBook, 325 pages

Source: Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Press for this ARC💜 ! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Setting: starts in New Jersey

Genre: urban fantasy, romance, mystery

Tropes: vampires/demons/witches

HEA/HFN ending: HFN

Epilogue Included: yes, setup for Maya's book

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Skye Claremont's friend and fortune teller Clarissa has been kidnapped by Lynx, a fairy. He blackmails her into capturing Micha-the recluse leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal. When Skye touches him she has a vision that he will die if he's not taken to Lynx's dungeon. Valen and Peri rule the NY Magic Gyre but someone is on a smear campaign to make the cabal believe Peri is too dangerous to be his mate. Following Lynx, Skye and Micha discover a bigger plot to end the world.

Amount of Sex In The Book: kissing and 1 sex scene in the last chapter

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Heroine: Skye Claremont-27, works at the Witches Brew in NJ. A seer who has visions of the future. Her father Howard's gambling debts made her an indentured servant to demons for 10 years. Now 15 years later, he contacts her to meet up which is just a setup with Lynx.

Hero: Micha-leader of the New Orleans cabal, loves books, more of a scholar than fighter. When he meets Skye and she has a vision about him, he vows to stick by her and protect her.

Side Characters: Peri and Valen-mated couple rule NY Gyre where someone wants to take his leadership; Joe-a mysterious figure who hangs around the Witch's Brew warn them as they are assigned tasks to complete from "The Benefactor" who protects them; Lynx-a fairy out to get an ancient sword "Tempest" to destroy vampires and control the world; Kane- vampire who tried to take Valen's territory.

H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO

OW/OM/Exes: n/a

AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Alexander Ivy- read Wild Magic and gave 4⭐

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 3 ⭐⭐⭐

Do You Recommend This Book: maybe

Will You Re-read This Book: no

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES: I wanted much more interaction between Skye and Micha. They were always on a mission being manipulated by Lynx. I enjoyed him more than the couple because he was mysterious, showed power, even though he was arrogant. Kane was another villain that I liked more than the main couple. He had a plan to overthrow Valen and had some depth to him. The Valen/Peri story featured Kane and Ambassador Azar (the big bad) which I didn't mind because it connected to Skye and Micha's journey. I was a little disappointed because I expected this book to match or exceed Wild Magic, and it just didn't. I still plan to read Maya's book Eternal Magic.