Reviews

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles

blurrypetals's review against another edition

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4.0

This is absolutely what I am currently in the mood for reading: fun, exciting paranormal mysteries with a sprinkle of super gay romance thrown in for good measure. It was exciting, it was funny, it was sexy, and I am so here for the long haul as long as this level of quality remains throughout the rest of the series.

I would talk about some of the finer points here, but this book was so short and sweet that I fear if I talk too much about it here, I'd risk ruining it. Just take my word that if you like fantasy paranormal mysteries with a heaping portion of gay romance on the side, this will be your shit. I know it's my shit. Hot damn.

The only true reason this is a 4 and not a 5 is because it's just too short for me to truly sink my teeth into it. The length is a plus, but I would have liked a little more character development and perhaps a tad slower of a burn on the romance for this to earn that fifth and final star, but I love 4's! There's nothing really wrong with a 4! So onward we go!

emailkatieinstead's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

5.0

animar19's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This was a fun and quick read!

bear92b's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

rainjrop's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a great read! Fun chemistry between the characters, the magic was great, and the plot kept me engrossed. As always, I love that the plot was more focused on the action and mystery-ish goings-on rather than the romance. No jealousy issues or high relationship drama to be found. Awesome!

fishyashiro's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

kkdelrey's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

trin's review against another edition

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4.0

I read it for the plot.

No, seriously: as a romance novel, this did very little for me, even though both main characters are wonderful -- distinct personalities with rich, angsty backstories. I think their relationship would have worked better for me as a slow burn, though, especially since Stephen gets over projecting his hatred for Crane's family onto Crane very quickly. (As is sensible and therefore I suppose surprising for a romance novel -- but I still would have liked more build up.)

However, the magical thriller aspects of this book were fantastic: imaginative, suspenseful, genuinely exciting. Charles' world-building makes me eager for more in the best way; I can't wait to read the next installment, not simply because I want to know what happens to Crane and Stephen -- in fact, I primarily want to read it because I am curious to learn more about how magic works in her universe, and to get more of her side characters like Merrick and Esther. (Gosh, do I ever want to meet Esther! Give me this badass Jewish magic practitioner lady!)

I am wholly hooked.

carrie_e's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The story is so good that I read it with my eyes and then immediately re-read it with my ears. 

seismatic's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0