Of Mettle and Magic

I’ve enjoyed this series immensely. Alex is strong and capable. I enjoy that she uses not just her powers, which are increasing, but her intelligence to work through the many dilemmas she encounters. Her friends are loyal to her and work together in whatever capacity they are able. The world building is expansive and well done.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of OF METTLE & MAGIC (Book 5 of The MagicSmith urban fantasy series) by L.R. Braden in exchange for an honest review. Alex Blackwood has solved the most urgent problem at hand and decides to turn herself in to the authorities so that she can work with them to avoid the upcoming war. However, when the Unified Church in Rome is destroyed and Alex fails to establish a hoped-for alliance, Alex must regroup and find new alliances to because war is now imminent on three fronts. In order to succeed, Alex will have to expand her knowledge and control of her powers as well as her knowledge and implementation of both political and battle strategy.

I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy.

#OfMettleandMagic #NetGalley

This book is creative, sometimes scary and always riveting. This ongoing series is an excellent one and I eagerly anticipate the next one.

Well Alex is back and her life is all set to implode. She's made an enemy of her grandfather's general but saving the children that the Fae woman was torturing is worth it to Alex. Now she needs to heal them but with the human council hunting her down safety is paramount. That isn't the only problem Alex has though because with rogue sorcerers attacking the Fae now feel with humanity divided its time to end the peace treaty and attack and ultimately conquer !
Well let's face it the girl just cannot seem to catch a break ! Alex just seems to constantly have to fight for what she sees as right. I am increasingly enjoying the way she's collecting allies and she definitely needs them. Things are changing though as the Vampire she loves is going through changes that I'm not a hundred percent sure will ultimately make Alex happy. Plus someone very important from her past is back and that pushes all of Alex's buttons. My only criticism of this instalment is that I really wanted more from the Fae but I cannot deny the ending means life for Alex is about to get very busy going forward.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I have waited (im)patiently for this latest book in this entertaining series - and I was not disappointed .
Reading the previous books in the series is really essential to fully understand the characters and their relationships , and the worlds they are set in .

Alex's naivety and angst knows no bounds - every attempt to get the disparate parties to work together
backfires - even kidnapping the local head of the PTF doesn't work . What will it take to prevent a new
war ......... a war started by her father , she long presumed dead ? Can she kill him ? Are her powers strong enough - even with the help of her friends - to overcome the battles to come ?
Simmering in the background are the relationships she must juggle - can she rid James of his demon , will her
grandfather compel her to return to Faerie? who will stand by her side to ensure Humanity survives ?

This was a fast paced , entertaining , paranormal read that draws a reader in and won't let go ...... what does the future hold for Alex ........ she only has one year to achieve the impossible - PEACE !

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

A series full of strong characters with a badass heroine. Exciting storyline with very little romance. Alex gets some revelations, lots of action, and I'd like to say the side characters are a tremendous addition to the plot. if you want a great UF read, this is the author to go to. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

I was so eager to read this book, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I got it. I dived right in so I could immerse myself in Alex’s world once again. So much happened in this one and I can’t say too much. But I will say that there were surprising reveals, interesting new characters, surprising twists, and lots of action. Alex and James are such a wonderful couple, and even though there isn’t much romance, I can tell theirs is a wonderful pairing. I think this was supposed to wrap up the series (but I don’t know if that’s true), but there were still some questions left open for more book, and I’m seriously hoping for more! Great addition to this well-written, fun series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Absolutely fantastic series it is so action packed from start to finish that I highly recommend reading it in order. This series is full of wonderful characters and plenty of intriguing storylines to keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Alex is back and her life is in shambles she has made an enemy of her grandfather's general but feels no remorse because saving the children trapped in Fae was worth it.

Now on top of the children's care rogue sorcerers are attacking the Fae. At the same time the fragile peace between human and Fae is at the breaking point and on the verge of war.

During all this someone very important from Alez's past is back and that cause even more tension. I loved every page and I absolutely can't wait for more. This series never disappoints snd just keeps getting better with each installment. I highly recommend it!

absolutely enjoyed "Of Mettle and Magic" by L. R. Braden ... have never read this author before, but excited to read more

After reading the first 4 books in the series, I was thrilled to receive this latest installment. It did not disappoint.

L.R. Braden has a way with characters. All of them spring from the page fully realized and individualized. As a reader drawn in by characters that are well depicted, this adds nuance and interest to the story told.

Braden's world building is consistent. The plot is replete with action and moves quickly. I can't wait for book six.

I received a free ARC. I am leaving my honest review.