Blood, Smoke and Mirrors
by Robyn Bachar
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Pub Date Jan 29 2018 | Archive Date Feb 04 2018
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Description
Even a bad witch deserves a second chance.
Catherine Baker stopped caring about magician politics after the witches threw her out four years ago, convicted of the “crime” of using harmful magic in self-defense. Life as an outcast was nothing new, thanks to her father’s wicked reputation, but the injustice left her heart scarred. Especially since she’d been turned in by the man she loved.
Alexander Duquesne has never faltered in his duties as a guardian—until now. He still suffers lingering guilt over his role in Cat’s exile, and when the old Titania is murdered, Cat is in line to be the next victim. Lex will do anything to keep Cat alive, even if she hates him for it.
Hunted by a powerful stranger intent on drawing her into an evil web, Cat reluctantly accepts Lex’s protection and the resurrected desire that comes along with it. Lex faces the fight of his life to keep her safe…and win her back. If they both survive.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
“For a debut book, this story has an incredibly strong and funny main character ... and a strange and interesting world of characters. ... If I had to grab one word to describe this book, it would be refreshing. Not like a diet Coke or something that’s saccharine and only satisfying in the short term, but refreshing like thinking to yourself, ‘Oh, that’s new, that’s different’ while reading a plot that could have turned on a dime into well-trod cliché-land. Bachar keeps the story firmly in the present with a quick and witty narrator, and I kept reading.” –Sarah Wendell, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
“Blood, Smoke and Mirrors was a compelling read. Catherine ‘Cat’ Baker was an authentic and endearing heroine – big butt and all. ...overall, I was impressed and glad that I had the opportunity to discover Robyn Bachar. I’ll be looking forward to what she does next. But first I have to get something to eat. I have this insatiable craving for chocolate chip pancakes…” –Paul Goat Allen, Explorations: The Barnes & Noble SciFi and Fantasy Blog
Featured Reviews
Susan U, Reviewer
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I think this is a reprint or new publisher? First time reading this author. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I rate this a 3.5. I had a love/hate relationship with Cat. What was up with the smoking?? Why did they treat her like she was stupid, yet ok for an apparently very important job?? I thought it was fairly convoluted, and I was often confused, with not enough knowledge. Yet at the same time I was curious. Different take on magic for me.
Tina S, Reviewer
I read this before when it was previously published. It is a great beginning to the series. It a little dark and the hero/heroine are both bad*ss.
Elaine G, Bookseller
I really enjoyed this story though I’m not sure I’d have forgiven Lex as Cat did, there would have been way more groveling involved. Liked the different view and take on the world of magic in this story and look forward to reading more by this author.
deborah p, Reviewer
Is there a second? PLEASE tell me there's a second. I really liked the fact that this book had twists right off. Lots of good beginnings. Possible RH situation? While I felt the main character was a little flighty and undeveloped this is a "first in series" so I'm more interested in whether the story has potential, and I think it does. I loved the interaction between Cat and Lex and I'm curious to see where things go with Zach - which means I want to read another book! The writing was easy to understand and flowed well, no editing issues.
Natalie H, Reviewer
So many loveable characters and some you just want to punch in the face. It was a five all the way to the half way point. One choice and it’s like banging your head against a wall at Cat’s stupidity. As a main character she’s strong and feisty but her judgment...is lacking and slightly on the cliche side. Overall I did really enjoy this book and look forward to reading more.
Janice B, Reviewer
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked Cat a lot - she has that snarky attitude, full of piss and vinegar that appeals to me. Lex is sufficiently rugged and swoon worthy but also possesses a strong sense of honor which is so important for the love interest. The secondary characters were interesting as well. I look forward to reading more of this author's books.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nichole A, Reviewer
Thank you for giving me a change to read this book! I am really on the fence with this one. There are parts I found funny and refreshing and others that drove me crazy. Sometimes I wanted to strangle Cat and I desperately wanted her to find some self confidence. It also reminded me a little of the Sookie Stackhouse series which are some of my favorites so it was hard to get that out of my head. I really wanted to like it but the story became a little muddled for me toward the end. The world building was interesting so I might have to check out the next in the series just to get a better feel. Overall it was entertaining so that is always a positive in my book.
Reviewer 236903
Really enjoyed this book, strong characters, evil dad and a heroine who gets to prove herself without needing a man but also happy to accept help from him too. Mind you, not sure I believed the vampire bit given the build up but happy to wait an see what happens next in the series as I assume that part of the story was part of next story arc
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