Member Reviews

I loved Skye and Micah. Their chemistry is fantastic. The pacing is fast and there's plenty of surprises. I sat down to read and I was so engrossed that before I knew it several hours had passed and I was at the end. I enjoy the world building that has went into the series. I'm looking forward to the next one. I have to know what a certain someone is hiding!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a copy of the book for my honest review. Ancient Magic is Book 2 of the Magic for hire series. Skye is a mage with the power to see glimpses of the future, she sees herself as the weakest link in the trio of mages who run the coffee shop, but her friends see her as the "heart" of the group. That heart gets her in trouble when demons extort her into a kidnapping scheme. The designated victim is non other than Micah, the New Orleans Vampire Cabal leader, who is town to assess the threat that Perry's wild magic (book 1) might pose to the vampires. During the kidnapping Skye glimpses the future and realizes that if the demons's plans succeed the whole world will burn. The sweet friendly mage must work with the quiet reclusive vampire to stop the demons from bringing about Armageddon.

I read Wild Magic (book 1) and loved it. While I liked Micah and Skye's story, it didn't reach the same level as the first book. Valen and Perry were sexy and exciting, it felt like a wild adventure with a lover. This book felt like a short walk in the park with my mother. There was only one scene that I remember made me smile and kick my feet, otherwise it was just bland. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't anything to write home about. The mystery was not mysterious. I pretty much figure out the who, what, when, where and why of it all from the start. Micah was okay, he wasn't memorable in any way and insta-love is not really my thing. Sky's actions were questionable a best but they gave us her gentle heart as a reason for it all. Would I recommend it? yes, because it leads us to book 3, Maya's story. I need to know more about Joe, who this Sinjon is, and Maya is a cool character. So yes, I will continue with the series.

Was this review helpful?

Ancient Magic is a nice addition to this series filled with a quirky entertaining cast of supernatural characters each with their own agenda a well written fast paced drama filled storyline with a never-ending changing plot as unexpected surprise's are revealed keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next revelation will reveal.
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Was this review helpful?

Book 2 in Alexandra Ivy's Magic for Hire series is worth every minute of your time. Ancient Magic is not a standalone, and I guess you could read it that way if you must, but you will miss out on so much detail. There are reminders throughout the story of what happened in the first book, but I really don't think you'd enjoy it nearly as much if you don't read book one, Magic for Hire.

Reading Skye and Micha's story was not just enjoyable, it was very engaging as well. One thing I adore about the author's style of writing is that she doesn't write fluff. Her books are much more entertainment and information dense than your average paranormal book. The magic system is explained in detail without becoming boring or a list. Everything - action, behavior of the characters, plot lines - is consistent and will keep you reading long past your bedtime.

Alexandra Ivy writes compelling, witty, exciting books and this one is no different. I couldn't put it down.

Thanks Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

The Author does it again - the book features those who would hide in the shadows
but are forced into the light in her latest book in her Magic for Hire series .
Skye is a mage whose visions have been misused by her father to pay off his debts .
He wants her to kidnap the Vampire Micha ,,,,,,,,,,,, his debtholders are out for a power grab
- but what are the consequences id she doesn't follow through , only her vision will tell
Its only by working together that Skye and Micha might foil the plots in play

Full of magic and betrayal , fast paced , creative twists and turns aplenty , with just the right amount of romance
and mystery the book makes for an entertaining read .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

I suspect I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first book but it was still an entertaining read. Who can resist a romance between a witch and a vampire? These characters feel more real than they probably should (although fans of the genre are the best judges of this). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Over to fans.

Was this review helpful?

Ivy brings a slow burn romance filled with intrigue, mystery and magic. While both MC may like the to retreat to quiet shadows for their own reasons, both are more than they appear -- there's quick intelligence, observant, and persistent hidden behind the surface, all of which are needed to uncover the hidden enemy that has thrown them into danger and possibly put the world at risk as well. Micha is a nice break from the over the top, in your face, alpha hero (he's a very much "top-dog", just a more subtle, sneaky quiet version) and it's enjoyable to watch Sky keep him on his toes. We also continue to learn about the world the author has created for this series as the MC's friends (coven & cabal) work to uncover what happened to the MCs as well. Ivy balances humor and action through the story to keep a the plot moving at an entertaining pace. While this best read in conjunction with the 1st book, it is able to stand on it's own as well. The story comes to a satisfying ending, though some curiosity and anticipation is left for what's next.
3.5-4*s

Was this review helpful?

What an enchanting world Alexandra Ivy has created in the Magic for Hire series. Book two is Ancient Magic and features Skye Claremont and Micha. Urban fantasy, a mystery, a kidnapping, and a paranormal romance are combined into an enthralling storyline. The Vampire Cabal are investigating Skye’s friend Peri to determine whether she is a threat to vampires. However, someone is trying for a power grab.

Skye is a mage who has visions and whose father indentured her when she was young to pay off his gambling debts. When he returns and asks her to meet him, it turns into a trap. However, a vision tells her Micha must be kidnapped as her father’s debtholders desire.
Both Skye and Micha are well-defined characters with depth. A byproduct of Skye’s magic is that she can sense emotions which can be overwhelming at times. She tends to hide her emotions, has a rigid sense of integrity, is intelligent, courageous, stubborn, and has a high degree of curiosity. Micha is a scholar at heart. He’s self-controlled, stubborn, plans meticulously, and can be arrogant at times.

Action, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the story, which is well-written. The plot is twisty and flows well. There is the right amount of mystery, romance and creative twists to the paranormal to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. The descriptive writing doesn’t slow the pace, but enhances the reader’s experience. The world-building is excellent except I wanted to know more about the Gyre. Themes include trust, instant romance, betrayal, fear, greed, murder, kidnapping, found family, ruthless ambition, and much more.

Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining tale with great characterization and plenty of action that kept me engaged throughout the story. Whose story will be next?

Kensington Publishing – Lyrical Press and Alexandra Ivy provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 23, 2024.

Was this review helpful?

Skye Claremont, a seer and her mage sisters have drawn the attention of the Vampire Cabal because of an assumed threat to their power base. Several members from the Vampire Cabal arrive in New York to observe Valen, the brutally strong vampire and Peri, his powerful mage mate that can bring forth wild magic which is only equal to a dragons.

Someone's trying to undermine Valen's position by using Peri, and her power against him. Demons force Skye to get them inside Valen's lair by threatening a friend. Skye isn't worried because she plans on stopping them with magic. But things go wrong as Skye realizes that the Demons are after vampire Micha who rules New Orleans and the territories, and she's been setup as kidnapper and traitor. Micha decides to let the demons capture him so he can find out why they want the treaty between vampires, demons and dragons ended.

Plot within plots are reveled as well as who is really behind the political power play among the species. Micha and Skye work together to stop what's coming before it's to late for the entire world. Mica hasn't waited 1500 yrs. to find his mate to loose her to those that have gone mad in their thirst for power.

Was this review helpful?

I was so happy to be back in the author’s newest series. I just loved Peri’s book, so I was sure I’d love this latest with Skye. She’s a very sweet character full of backbone and not to be trifled with. Add in the loner Micha, and this is a wild ride. I just enjoyed this so much. I’m also really looking forward to the next book with Maya, and I’m sure it’ll be really explosive considering how feisty she is. LOL! Very well-written, wonderful characters, and an action-packed adventure sure to please fans of this series as it did me. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Was this review helpful?

Such a beautiful story of love and betrayal. I loved this and the characters so much. It held my attention and I flew through the book.

Was this review helpful?

I freaking love this author, I have for the past 20years years and I will continue to support for and her new adventures. This being one of them, in a new series. I am so filled with joy, and I can’t wait for everyone to to discover her and all of her books.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in a series, with each book taking a new perspective, and tackling a new bit of mischief and mystery (and romance). Though originally, I was hoping for another story about our main characters from book one, I quickly realized this story with Skye and Micha was going to be a fun ride, and better than what I had originally hoped for.

I loved that these two were both introverts, and that big, loud and boisterous wasn’t on the game plan. They had their own issues with their views of their powers, but those views helped move the story along in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. I am grateful that the world building from book one was further expanded, making it feel like the start of a long journey in this world, with these characters, and though those we have met in these two books may not be in charge of the next story, they’ll still be involved so we get to see our favorite characters again.

Was this review helpful?

I have read other books by this author and unfortunately I wasn't impressed by this one. Everything just seemed kind of rushed. The instant love trope is just not my thing and in this book it was kind of on steroids.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this second book of the series! Bok one laid the groundwork and now this one takes us on a wild cross county romp. Skye and Micha are perfect for each other, once they let down their barriers about each others race.

We see some familiar faces in New York and then the bad guys take over and we learn a whole lot more about the paranormal world these characters live in. Lots of tension. Some mystery and intrigue. Love how the vampires ultimately rallied to help one of their own.

Great addition to the series! Looking forward to the 3rd book.

Was this review helpful?

Book 2 in the Magic for Hire series centers around Skye. After the events in book 1, where Peri's wild magic is unlocked, the vampire cabal meets at Valen's building to discuss the implications and events that have been popping up. Skye gets caught up in a plot that puts her in a sticky situation with the New Orleans vampire cabal leader Micha, who is attending the cabal meetings. To uncover the larger conspiracy and save the world, Micha and Skye must work together, while fighting their desire for each other. I enjoyed following Skye's story, there were a few twists that I did not expect. I also liked that we got to still see Peri and Valen in this book. Looking forward to reading Maya's story. Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


She’s done it again, I absolutely loved this book! Returning to the same world as Wild Magic, we get a different love story from Skye, a bubbly seer who has had trauma from being enslaved by demons and has risen above it and the vampire leader Mischa, who prefers solitude and books to the presence of others and channels some extraordinary power. Watch as they fall in love, all while preventing a Fairy from releasing dragons from their hibernation and bathing the world in fire. No biggie.

These books are super addicting and easy to read! I love how the characters feel fleshed out and you can tell the trauma of their backstory with it being forced down your throat. I wouldn’t really consider this a slow burn either. But when reading it I also didn’t think it was crazy fast, it fit the pace of the story. I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the third one. I already have my guess on who it’s going to be about!

Was this review helpful?

Ancient Magic is the second book in Alexandra Ivy's Magic for Hire Series.

It follows Skye, a witch and seer and Micha, the fearsome leader of the New Orleans Vampire Cabal.

The Vampire Cabal are meeting in New York to decide the fate of the powerful mages after Skye's coven proved wild magic has returned.
Skye and Micha meet briefly at a party and he's instantly drawn to her from the moment he lays eyes on her. This brief encounter ignites a series of events that throw these two characters together in an almighty explosion.

This book has it all - a great story line that is easy to follow if you haven't read the first book (which I highly recommend because it was just as great at this one) and grips you from the very beginning.
Vampires. Witches. Action and suspense. Plus the chemistry between Skye and Micha is off the charts!
I can't wait to see where the series goes next

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love it when I can't figure out what happens next or who the bad guy really is. Maya, Peri and Skye are all very gifted. Their abilities astound and I need one of their bracelets.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in the Magic for Hire Series and centers around Skye. Skye is a oracular who doesn't specially enjoy the future that she see's. She attends a party at Peri's for the visiting Vampire Cabal and comes face to face with Micha the leader of the New Orleans Cabal and they both have instant attraction. She flees to go home until she receives a message from her father that he needs to meet with her that night never expecting she horrible confrontation that awaits her. Meanwhile Micha knows he has met the one person who is truly meant for him.

Alot of excitement and bad guys your just not sure who is the worst bad guy out of them all or what they are truly trying to achieve until the end. Love this story I didn't think it could top the first one but it did!

Was this review helpful?