This is my first read from J.M. Linkhart. I have to say I did enjoy this book, many concepts about this world I found to be interesting and definitely up my alley as a fantasy and graphic novel reader.

The story is set in a fictional 1920's Chicago that has magic, demons, ghosts and tarot-style murders (one of the most intriguing parts of the story for me, personally). It is still a world that has police (magic ones), gangsters, and noire crime. We follow different characters, most of which we don't find out a lot about but I hope there are more books to come out and continue this story.

Bernice Chandler (my favorite character) is a knight of the Order of Joan trying to investigate a ritual murder while dealing with recurring dreams of an angel and a ghost haunting her. Bernice partners with Jack Donovan, a detective with a dark past, tasked to also solve the murder case while trying to avoid his past coming to light. Another major character is Valentino (Tino) Morandi, a cursed demi-demon with ties to the Order of Joan (white knights). And when I say ties, I mean literally, he cannot leave unless he can find a final item to free himself from the order - so helping with the murder case may present a means to do so.

The mythology, magic, and world building of this book were so exciting, I really enjoyed it. That being said, there were many times in the book where 1920's styles were referenced and other times where I forgot completely that this book was set at a certain time period. The action and mystery reminded me of a TV show, and the finale I could very much picture as a series finale. I do wish we spent more with the characters getting to know them and build more character development. I would still recommend this read!

Fantasy mystery crime thriller, somewhat gruesome in places, Police, gangsters and the Joan’s - the female magic police. Gruesome murders means demons, but may be the darkest demons are of human ilk. Bernice is a Joan charged with solving the crimes. She has a haunting past that drives her. Some of which we are shown, but there seems so much more to that story. There’s a lot going on action wise, though it sometimes feels a little repetitive. I also found myself thinking what can happen that’s going to take another quarter of the book. But the author fills that very well indeed. Thank you to Goblin Booth Productions and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I had the opportunity to read this book via Netgalley, and I was not disappointed. From the first page I was all-in. If magical realism, urban fantasy, and historical fiction are your vibe - this book is worth a read. I enjoyed the story and the world building - but there were some questions left unanswered that seemed unnecessary. I also felt the book danced around the villain a bit too much - I liked the challenge of figuring out who was the bad guy and at the same time felt one too many storylines were in play. For me, this did not detract from fully enjoying this story and looking forward to seeing the author evolve more in the next book, but it did make the book drag out a bit longer than necessary.

I also loved the Order of Joans - and all the potential this idea has going forward. One thing I wish there had been more of was the relationships between the main character Bernie and the sisters in her Order. They felt too much like background characters and it seems like there could be some real depth to that history.

Just - so many unanswered questions. I look forward to seeing if they get resolved in the next story.

I liked a lot of things about First-Degree Magic. I was really hoping for Carnival Row meets The Tainted Cup except with paranormal creatures and magic instead of fae, but I felt like it had a bit of missed potential.

For one thing the book was longer than it needed to be. I frequently found myself having to push through the story as it was heavy on police procedural and magic system descriptions, which I usually find boring, and light on character development and worldbuilding. I wanted the mystery to be a little more twisty with less obvious misdirection and I predicted the killer early.

I liked Bernie's character the best, a fearless knight from the Order of Joans who has an interesting back story. Her back story just sort of dribbled off though and didn't factor much into the plot. I loved her friendship with the demi-demon Tino and their grudging respect for each other. I felt her slow-burn romance with the mysterious occultist police officer was forced and I liked them better as friends. I did like the history of the war effort and the use of sorcerers, and how this factors into the mystery and touches the characters' lives.

For such a long book I think I just wanted more worldbuilding. This was a thrilling gaslamp universe with an intriguing alternate timeline but it could have been set anywhere in historical America the way it was written. I wanted more color, at least more vivid descriptions of food and cultural traditions. Instead it was a typical paranormal fantasy. More about that unique world and how that affected the characters would have made this 4 stars for me... and a less predictable mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The premise of this story was very interesting to me – occult business in the 1920s. I did enjoy that element of the story quite a lot and would have liked to explore it further. It was an interesting take, and it felt new and fresh in the genre, in a way.

Thanks to NetGalley + Goblin Booth Productions for the free e-Arc of this book!

Overall, I felt that First-Degree Magic had a ton of intriguing elements: a unique magical world and society, a plucky POC character that acts consistently/logically, as well as endearing morally grey characters. It was written pretty well and had a lot of great, creative twists that drew on a diverse background of mythology and witchcraft.

While those elements kept me going throughout the story, I couldn't help but feel that the ending left something to be desired. It left many questions unanswered and made for an unsatisfying conclusion. It felt like half the major questions were never answered and the ways in which crucial information was revealed was a bit confusing at points - to the point where I felt lost and had to go back to figure out what they were talking about. I also wished it would've immersed me in the world a little better. I kept forgetting it was supposed to be set in the 1920's and when it was finally brought up I was a bit startled by it.

3/5 because although it left me a bit frustrated, it was only because it was setup to be something so good. I'd be interested to see what else could come of this world/magical society!

This was the first time I think I’ve really really enjoyed an urban fantasy and finished it in one sitting. I loved the characters! They are chocked full of my favorite tropes. Don’t even get me started on the monster. Scary scary! The plot was fast paced and well written. Loved this one and can’t wait for the next big thing from this author!

Thank you to J. M. Linkhart, Goblin Booth Productions, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of this book intrigued me and the book cover art is beautiful! The characterisation was mostly great, the alternative historical scene was fascinating, and the world-building was solid. I just felt that it could have been edited down a little more, which sometimes made the pace drag a little. A solid 4 stars with a few tweaks.

"He looked like a depraved movie star, with his gaudy glasses and slicked-back platinum hair. Acted like one too, nothing but oozing arrogance. "

"Sorcerers were like angry cats, they didn't like to share territory to power. "


I was thrilled to receive a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and Goblin Booth Productions in exchange for my honest review - Thank you for taking a chance on me as a new ARC reader.

First-Degree Magic is an urban fantasy mystery set in an alternate-history 1927 Chicago, shaped by the Prohibition and the aftermath of a magic-infused World War I. The spellbinding first instalment in the Degrees of Magic series, follows the adventures of three compelling characters: Knight Maiden Bernie Chandler, her detective partner Jack Donovan, and their reluctant ally, demi-demon and crime lord Timo Morandi. Together, they unravel Tarot-laden murders terrorizing the city while grappling with their own hidden secrets and supernatural besties haunting their every move.

The characters in this story are undeniably captivating. Linkhart masterfully blends all the tropes I adore into her three protagonists.
Bernie is everything you could ever want in Knight Maiden paladin with a twist - her Templar-inspired coat and sword are paired with a 1920s bob, fashion, and lipstick, bringing an urban flair to her strength and bravery. Bernie in First-Degree Magic was everything I enjoyed from Dresden Files, but unadulterated feminine power, class and grace. Secondly, Valentino "Tino" Morandi gave me such strong '90s Spike from Buffy vibes (Maybe its the hair), and I instantly adored everything about him. I sincerely hope he's just as prominent in the next instalment (which I will definitely be picking up!).

The supernatural monsters featured in First-Degree Magic are truly terrifying. I felt such a tingle of fear when reading and features delivers all your favourite supernature beasties.

The pacing throughout this book is absolutely spot-on. There's never a dull moment, as the narrative flows effortlessly from one thrilling event to the next. Whether it's heart-pounding action scenes, mysterious twists, or quick witted dialogue, each moment builds upon the last, maintaining a steady momentum.

Side note: I also enjoy any book that manages to weave the title into the main body, it adds such an extra layer of enjoyment.

My only critique - I would have loved a more detailed description of our gal Bernie. We get them for almost every other character but none for Bernie.

This book is perfect for anyone who thinks the world needs more stories featuring paladins - really why is that such a hard trope to find. If you loved T Kingfishers Saints of Steel but wanted a female paladin, or if you enjoyed Jim Butchers Dresden Files but would prefer a female perspective. Anyone who enjoyed monster-of-the-week episodes from Supernatural or have a soft spot for '90s bad boys with bleached hair. Add it to your TBR in time for May 2025!

Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about First Degree Magic. I liked the writing style. People and places were well defined and visual. The story developed well through the end. We very clearly had a book-level story arc that was resolved inside a larger arc that will presumably be continued in later books.

The main characters were interesting and one of them grew and changed significantly in the course of the book, but the other two did not. The development of who and what these individuals were and how they fit into the overall story arc also changed significantly over the course of the story. This did keep the mystery and suspense going.

The world building was minimal - only important bits were explained, most bits were just there, for example a protective bracelet that might or might not have been helpful but whose use was never explained, even when it functioned.. Maybe this will come with future volumes (this is clearly intended to be an first in the series book), but it felt unsatisfying.

The setting is an alt-history rendition of post Great War Roaring Twenties Chicago (thugs, flappers and all) with an overarching magic system having 3 degrees of magic. As you would expect from the title, the degrees and who has them matters quite a lot - read the book to see.

My overall opinion: good potential not fully realized.