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lynguy1's review
5.0
THE WITCHKIN MURDERS by Diana Pharaoh Francis is the first book in her Magicfall series. To me, this was a combination of urban fantasy, murder mystery and supernatural police procedural, with a little paranormal romance.
Four years ago, Magicfall, an explosion of wild magic, occurred and the world was forever changed. While this story takes place in Portland, Oregon, the rest of the world is in similar or worse shape. There was a war between some supernaturals and those that were human and many died on both sides. Lives changed overnight. Some humans became something else and are known as Witchkin.
The main protagonist, Kayla Reese, was changed into something else and left her job as a police detective to become a scavenger. One day on her way home, she senses something is wrong and finds three individuals murdered as part of a black magic ceremony. She calls her old detective partner, Ray Garza. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The book hooked me immediately. It combines some of my favorite genres into one enjoyable, entertaining read. The characters are three-dimensional, compelling and have their own flaws and virtues. Their motivations are believable and well-drawn. The relationships between Kayla and Ray as well as with the other characters are a little predictable, but I did not mind that in this case. The tension throughout the book made it a page turner. The author did a great job of world building with vivid descriptions that gave a clear sense of time and place.
This is the only book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I believe those readers that enjoy combining police procedurals with supernatural suspense in an urban fantasy environment will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to BelleBooks – Bell Bridge Books and Diana Pharaoh Francis for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Four years ago, Magicfall, an explosion of wild magic, occurred and the world was forever changed. While this story takes place in Portland, Oregon, the rest of the world is in similar or worse shape. There was a war between some supernaturals and those that were human and many died on both sides. Lives changed overnight. Some humans became something else and are known as Witchkin.
The main protagonist, Kayla Reese, was changed into something else and left her job as a police detective to become a scavenger. One day on her way home, she senses something is wrong and finds three individuals murdered as part of a black magic ceremony. She calls her old detective partner, Ray Garza. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The book hooked me immediately. It combines some of my favorite genres into one enjoyable, entertaining read. The characters are three-dimensional, compelling and have their own flaws and virtues. Their motivations are believable and well-drawn. The relationships between Kayla and Ray as well as with the other characters are a little predictable, but I did not mind that in this case. The tension throughout the book made it a page turner. The author did a great job of world building with vivid descriptions that gave a clear sense of time and place.
This is the only book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I believe those readers that enjoy combining police procedurals with supernatural suspense in an urban fantasy environment will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to BelleBooks – Bell Bridge Books and Diana Pharaoh Francis for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
malreynolds111's review
4.0
I received an ARC from net galley in exchange for a honest review.
A really nice foray into urban fantasy. Really has the potential to become a great series.
I reminded me a lot of the Kate Daniels Series. I plan to read more of this author in the future.
A really nice foray into urban fantasy. Really has the potential to become a great series.
I reminded me a lot of the Kate Daniels Series. I plan to read more of this author in the future.
rclz's review
3.0
Okay this could have been much better. It gets a 4 for world building a 4 for characters and plot. Where it falls apart mightily is the romance. The amount of angst makes me want to give it a 2. Really terrible part of what could have been a good book. I'm willing to give the next one a shot but if it turns into the same I probably won't even finish it.
redhairedashreads's review
5.0
Wow! This was so good. This was a fascinating world with amazing characters.
Magicfell was an explosion of magic that revitalized and unleashed magic upon the world. Old creatures came back to life and some humans found they were no longer human. Kayla, a ex-cop, left the force right after magicfall when she realized she was a shifter. Four years later she comes across a magical murder and calls in her old partner, Ray, to investigate.
I really loved all the characters in this book. Kayla was strong, powerful, and was born to be a cop. I really loved her shifted side. It was very unique and mysterious. Ray a good cop who is really stubborn. He knows he messed up with Kayla and is trying to fix their relationship, and take it further. I really enjoyed their struggle to overcome their past and have a future relationship.
I can't wait to read the next book.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Magicfell was an explosion of magic that revitalized and unleashed magic upon the world. Old creatures came back to life and some humans found they were no longer human. Kayla, a ex-cop, left the force right after magicfall when she realized she was a shifter. Four years later she comes across a magical murder and calls in her old partner, Ray, to investigate.
I really loved all the characters in this book. Kayla was strong, powerful, and was born to be a cop. I really loved her shifted side. It was very unique and mysterious. Ray a good cop who is really stubborn. He knows he messed up with Kayla and is trying to fix their relationship, and take it further. I really enjoyed their struggle to overcome their past and have a future relationship.
I can't wait to read the next book.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
bananatricky's review
4.0
Three and a half stars.
Four years ago Kayla's world imploded when wild magic exploded and the supernatural world (or Witchkin) declared war on the humans. Now there is an uneasy truce with humans and the technomages on one side and all Witchkin on the other. Kayla was a successful detective until the war, when wild magic hit she transformed into a terrible monster whenever she got wet. Unable to continue working for Portland PD she now scavenges for scarce resources like tampons and peanut butter in areas ravaged by wild magic. Returning from one such scavenge she comes across three murdered Witchkin and despite all her fears, calls her old partner Ray to let him know.
Ray and Kayla had a very bad falling out when she abruptly quit the force without any explanation and emotions have run hot and fierce ever since, strangely when they meet up again for the first time in four years Ray feels more lust and frustration than anything else. They go their separate ways until a high profile kidnapping of two of the most prominent (and wealthy) members of Portland society bring Ray and Kayla back into contact again.
First, the things I liked. The world-building was great, I liked the magic mixed with technomages and shifters and mythology (even though it did seem reminiscent of the glorious world of Kate Daniels). There were strong tensions between humans and Witchkin and I liked some of the uses of magic. I also liked the hitherto less-explored mythologies and the creature which Kayla shifts into - kudos for choosing something out of the ordinary.
Turning to what I didn't like. First Ray only seemed to have one expression, or variants thereof, "his d*&k went hard", it actually started to seem like an almost forced reaction - like he had been infected with magical Viagra rather than a normal reaction to a woman he is in love with. Second, Kayla can't for the life of her understand why Ray gets so worked up when she puts herself in danger - she is in such denial about their feelings for each other that it becomes exasperating - for goodness sake you're supposed to be a detective woman, get a clue! Third there were a couple of very clunky political messages/statements which jarred on me.
Overall, this was a promising start with an interesting world-building and plot, let down slightly by the romance side (as urban fantasy often is). Not in the same league as [a:Ilona Andrews|21748|Ilona Andrews|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1219436898p2/21748.jpg], although so few are, but an enjoyable read nevertheless and I look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Four years ago Kayla's world imploded when wild magic exploded and the supernatural world (or Witchkin) declared war on the humans. Now there is an uneasy truce with humans and the technomages on one side and all Witchkin on the other. Kayla was a successful detective until the war, when wild magic hit she transformed into a terrible monster whenever she got wet. Unable to continue working for Portland PD she now scavenges for scarce resources like tampons and peanut butter in areas ravaged by wild magic. Returning from one such scavenge she comes across three murdered Witchkin and despite all her fears, calls her old partner Ray to let him know.
Ray and Kayla had a very bad falling out when she abruptly quit the force without any explanation and emotions have run hot and fierce ever since, strangely when they meet up again for the first time in four years Ray feels more lust and frustration than anything else. They go their separate ways until a high profile kidnapping of two of the most prominent (and wealthy) members of Portland society bring Ray and Kayla back into contact again.
First, the things I liked. The world-building was great, I liked the magic mixed with technomages and shifters and mythology (even though it did seem reminiscent of the glorious world of Kate Daniels). There were strong tensions between humans and Witchkin and I liked some of the uses of magic. I also liked the hitherto less-explored mythologies and the creature which Kayla shifts into - kudos for choosing something out of the ordinary.
Turning to what I didn't like. First Ray only seemed to have one expression, or variants thereof, "his d*&k went hard", it actually started to seem like an almost forced reaction - like he had been infected with magical Viagra rather than a normal reaction to a woman he is in love with. Second, Kayla can't for the life of her understand why Ray gets so worked up when she puts herself in danger - she is in such denial about their feelings for each other that it becomes exasperating - for goodness sake you're supposed to be a detective woman, get a clue! Third there were a couple of very clunky political messages/statements which jarred on me.
Overall, this was a promising start with an interesting world-building and plot, let down slightly by the romance side (as urban fantasy often is). Not in the same league as [a:Ilona Andrews|21748|Ilona Andrews|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1219436898p2/21748.jpg], although so few are, but an enjoyable read nevertheless and I look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
novelgoddess's review
4.0
This is not a review. More of a recap for the when the next installment comes out and I can't remember what happened in the first book. THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!
Kayla is a former detective. Once the magicfall hit she was transformed into a water dragon and had to leave the force because every time she gets wet she changes into said water dragon. Ray is her former partner whom she has not seen for 4 years. When she quit the force he said things that just reinforced her idea that witches/supernatural beings couldn't be part of the human world any longer. Add to that the witch wars happened shortly thereafter.
They meet again at the scene of a murder of sups. He is then called of look into the kidnapping of wealthy women who turn out to be Kayla's grandmother and aunt. It's all tied together. We also learn that Ray also turned into a witch during the fall and has kept it hidden. While it turns out Kayla is actually divine...part of the egyptian god Sobek.
Kayla is the heart of Portland. Because of her the city and the residents thrive. At the end she takes in an Olmec Goddess who was the reason for all the serial killing. She promised to protect the loved ones of some Scandanavian God, and he promised to take out her sister's henchmen that were trying to kill her for taking in the loved ones.
Zach Logan is a technomage in forensics that initially started out as a possible romantic interest. Raven is a witch who will help train Ray as a witch plus she runs Witch Island/Nuketown
Kayla is a former detective. Once the magicfall hit she was transformed into a water dragon and had to leave the force because every time she gets wet she changes into said water dragon. Ray is her former partner whom she has not seen for 4 years. When she quit the force he said things that just reinforced her idea that witches/supernatural beings couldn't be part of the human world any longer. Add to that the witch wars happened shortly thereafter.
They meet again at the scene of a murder of sups. He is then called of look into the kidnapping of wealthy women who turn out to be Kayla's grandmother and aunt. It's all tied together. We also learn that Ray also turned into a witch during the fall and has kept it hidden. While it turns out Kayla is actually divine...part of the egyptian god Sobek.
Kayla is the heart of Portland. Because of her the city and the residents thrive. At the end she takes in an Olmec Goddess who was the reason for all the serial killing. She promised to protect the loved ones of some Scandanavian God, and he promised to take out her sister's henchmen that were trying to kill her for taking in the loved ones.
Zach Logan is a technomage in forensics that initially started out as a possible romantic interest. Raven is a witch who will help train Ray as a witch plus she runs Witch Island/Nuketown
adrienner's review
3.0
I received a copy of The Witchkin Murders by Diana Pharaoh Francis from the publisher through NetGalley for free for a fair and honest review.
I have been seeing Diana Pharaoh Francis books in the stacks and genres I read and had been wanting to pick up a book by her. I was thrilled to get this book. Sadly, I think the story is not meant for me. It took me twelve days to read this book when I have been averaging two similar length books per weeks for this year. It took me four times as long to read this as it should have.
I like urban fantasy, and I'm passing familiar with Portland, so I thought this would be great. I've enjoyed a lot of urban fantasy set in Portland. This book is a mystery/cop story set in urban fantasy. I'm not a fan of mysteries nor cop stories. I'm a little put-off by how many urban fantasy stories require police. In the current political climate, the use of police in stories needs to be done carefully and not with loads of privilege where the issues that surround police in many cities, including Portland, are wholly ignored. This book does not pass that test. I also wondered if police partners being "closer than spouses" contributes to why there's fewer women on police forces. That could end a lot of marriages. Given the large chips on the shoulders of both main protagonists, I had a hard time believing they were ever good partners the way the story says they were.
I also could have done without the toxic masculinity that dripped off every page of this book. There would be no story without it. If it's that necessary to the plot and characters, then it isn't a book I want to read.
There is a lot of predictability in the story, which is good and bad. I mostly kept reading to see if my predictions were accurate. Some of the things that happen come out of left field and completely blind-side the reader because the world building never indicates such things exist until they do and are necessary.
I liked the writing. I think the premise of magic having existed in the world and major magic users causing a large influx of visible magic, followed by a war between magic users and non-magic users is very interesting. It's just the story that was told was only okay and the characters weren't well-depicted.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who like urban fantasy and cop stories.
I have been seeing Diana Pharaoh Francis books in the stacks and genres I read and had been wanting to pick up a book by her. I was thrilled to get this book. Sadly, I think the story is not meant for me. It took me twelve days to read this book when I have been averaging two similar length books per weeks for this year. It took me four times as long to read this as it should have.
I like urban fantasy, and I'm passing familiar with Portland, so I thought this would be great. I've enjoyed a lot of urban fantasy set in Portland. This book is a mystery/cop story set in urban fantasy. I'm not a fan of mysteries nor cop stories. I'm a little put-off by how many urban fantasy stories require police. In the current political climate, the use of police in stories needs to be done carefully and not with loads of privilege where the issues that surround police in many cities, including Portland, are wholly ignored. This book does not pass that test. I also wondered if police partners being "closer than spouses" contributes to why there's fewer women on police forces. That could end a lot of marriages. Given the large chips on the shoulders of both main protagonists, I had a hard time believing they were ever good partners the way the story says they were.
I also could have done without the toxic masculinity that dripped off every page of this book. There would be no story without it. If it's that necessary to the plot and characters, then it isn't a book I want to read.
There is a lot of predictability in the story, which is good and bad. I mostly kept reading to see if my predictions were accurate. Some of the things that happen come out of left field and completely blind-side the reader because the world building never indicates such things exist until they do and are necessary.
I liked the writing. I think the premise of magic having existed in the world and major magic users causing a large influx of visible magic, followed by a war between magic users and non-magic users is very interesting. It's just the story that was told was only okay and the characters weren't well-depicted.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who like urban fantasy and cop stories.
bookadventurer's review
3.0
Advance copy provided by NetGalley.
The story is set in an interesting "post-Magicfall" Portland, when magic has challenged technology for supremacy. Fans of the Kate Daniels series and the show Grimm will likely find the premise familiar. The protagonist is a former cop who's hiding one or two really significant secrets: 1. She's witchkin, and 2. she comes from a background none of her former colleagues would suspect. Once Magicfall hit - when magic became the dominating force over technology - she changed into an unrecognizable shapeshifter, and became one of the "enemy." Which is why she spends her time alone and foraging for rare goods such as peanut butter and chocolate chips. She's drawn back into the world of criminal investigation when a multiple murder takes place - and the victims are all also witchkin.
The unfolding of what she's become, the tension of her return to the fold, and the reveal of the mystery are all interesting and kept my attention after the first few pages. There’s a love triangle, which irks me. The protagonist is at the center, with her former partner and a technomage on the other corners. In the beginning, Her former partner has just realized he’s in love with her, making him possessive, jealous, and angry - in other words, really unattractive. The technomage, on the other hand, is confident, perceptive, witty, and curious. The love triangle seemed to be used initially to add conflict to the romance subplot, and some justification of the split narrative. The split narrative was the other thing I didn't enjoy. The cop partner's voice didn't really seem to fit, or I just didn't like it.
Overall, I enjoyed everything except the romance subplot.
The story is set in an interesting "post-Magicfall" Portland, when magic has challenged technology for supremacy. Fans of the Kate Daniels series and the show Grimm will likely find the premise familiar. The protagonist is a former cop who's hiding one or two really significant secrets: 1. She's witchkin, and 2. she comes from a background none of her former colleagues would suspect. Once Magicfall hit - when magic became the dominating force over technology - she changed into an unrecognizable shapeshifter, and became one of the "enemy." Which is why she spends her time alone and foraging for rare goods such as peanut butter and chocolate chips. She's drawn back into the world of criminal investigation when a multiple murder takes place - and the victims are all also witchkin.
The unfolding of what she's become, the tension of her return to the fold, and the reveal of the mystery are all interesting and kept my attention after the first few pages. There’s a love triangle, which irks me. The protagonist is at the center, with her former partner and a technomage on the other corners. In the beginning, Her former partner has just realized he’s in love with her, making him possessive, jealous, and angry - in other words, really unattractive. The technomage, on the other hand, is confident, perceptive, witty, and curious. The love triangle seemed to be used initially to add conflict to the romance subplot, and some justification of the split narrative. The split narrative was the other thing I didn't enjoy. The cop partner's voice didn't really seem to fit, or I just didn't like it.
Overall, I enjoyed everything except the romance subplot.
sunsoar25's review
4.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Witchkin Murders (Magicfall #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis is a cool urban fantasy series opener. I especially loved getting to know the new rules of our world since the event called Magicfall when the supernatural world declared war on humans and rained down magic on them changing everything up in a massive way. Kayla used to be a great detective, but now she is a scavenger and a witchkin who's no longer quite human. The magic system that the author has created is very cool and I liked seeing how it blended into the human world, especially when it comes to the technomages. Overall, I couldn't get enough of this addictive series opener. It's my first book from Francis and it certainly won't be my last.
The Witchkin Murders (Magicfall #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis is a cool urban fantasy series opener. I especially loved getting to know the new rules of our world since the event called Magicfall when the supernatural world declared war on humans and rained down magic on them changing everything up in a massive way. Kayla used to be a great detective, but now she is a scavenger and a witchkin who's no longer quite human. The magic system that the author has created is very cool and I liked seeing how it blended into the human world, especially when it comes to the technomages. Overall, I couldn't get enough of this addictive series opener. It's my first book from Francis and it certainly won't be my last.