REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: A Mage’s Guide to Human Familiars

AUTHOR: AJ Sherwood

SERIES: R’iyah Family Archives #1

PUBLISHER: Self Published

RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2021

BLURB:

One mage, Bel Adams – needs a familiar, gun shy about being rejected by one again.

One familiar, Nico di Rossi – Army Ranger, needs a change of pace and a new purpose in life.

Plus one familiar, Garen Adan – Secret Service, needs his ex-lover Nico back.

One second chance – all for the taking.

REVIEW:

Bel is in desperate need of a familiar to help ground his magic. Asking for this is a big deal since his last one quit on him – will this time be better?  And summoning another human? Almost unthinkable.  Yet, another human shows up & there needs to be training, so the ex to Bel’s new familiar is asked to help out.  Sparks fly everywhere, but will it work?  Or are they headed for failure?

I will preface that this is an MMM book. And I do love a well-written one, and this book is a prime example. Things aren’t easy between any of them. There are doubts and worries, plus several issues that need to be worked out. Sherwood does this with aplomb –  her writing is always sprinkled with some humor and this one does not disappoint, the comedy occasionally coming from random points, it helps lighten the story.

Their struggle to find their rhythm isn’t easy. Each of these characters has some hold-ups on how to proceed in their lives. And this one is not a given on how the dynamics will work out. So many books that are in this fantasy magical genre are fated, destined mates, but this is not the case here as the characters have choices and need to work through them. Bel, the mage, is gun shy after a disastrous first try at getting a familiar awhile back and trying again is his act of desperation to keep things under control. Nico is called, and he’s willing to give it a shot, but he’s not sure he has the right skills to be a great familiar.  Asking for his ex, Garen to train his seems like the best way forward, but they’ve still got lingering feelings for each other As they navigate their way and relationships, cases are still being thrown their way as they try to solve and clear up magical issues. This creates an interesting story that is much more an internal discussion than a lot of crazy, magical action happening to each.

I’m thoroughly fascinated where Sherwood will take this series, she could focus on the mage and his familiars or cycle around to some of the other quirky characters. Any direction she takes, I’ll be back at the front of the line to find out. This enjoyable book was what I really needed right now.

RATING:  

BUY LINK: 

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