Strange Magic by Michelle Mankin Series: Magic #1
Published by Selfpublished on 30 March 2016
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 353
Format: Kindle
Source: Gift
Billy Blade is a hardworking, hard living, razor sharp musical force. Mysterious behind his dark shades, the rough around the edges Texan mesmerizes with his haunting harmonica and tantalizes with his dangerous looks and smooth country charm. His latest album is topping the charts. He's the newly crowned King of the Bacchus Krewe. He's definitely living the rock star dream.
Exotic Creole beauty Thyme Bellerose couldn't be more content. She has it all. An adoring grandmother. A handsome Tulane medical student beau. A satisfying job in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Her life is as rich as the ice cream she creates. She's got everything under control.
But control is an illusion. Dreams can turn into nightmares. And now during Mardi Gras, otherworldly powers stand ready to shape their destinies in ways they could never imagine.
Shadow and light.
Magic and mystery.
Reality and myth.
All come together in a place where rules bend and lines blur.
Even those between life and death.
Strange Magic started out not very magical at all, however, as the story unfolded, magic became strong and ever-present.
Mankin really has a way with words, reading her stories always brings me to a magical realm, and that was even more true with Strange Magic. There is mythology, ghosts, greek gods, mystery, music, and a very strong love. Billy was a lost soul, but in the beginning, I thought he was ‘just another rock-star’ – and know that I love stories with musicians! – but there was much more to him than met the eyes. Thyme was a young girl who felt slightly out of place, but still confident in what she was doing and the people she loved and who loved her back.
Strange Magic is a little strange too, but in a very good way. Billy understands many things when he goes to New Orleans to have a little down-time between his tour and appointments. When he senses a ghost in the apartment he has rented, he’s very wary at first, but soon, he realizes that this specific ghost might be what he needs to feel and act alive once more.
There is quite a bit of mystery in this story, and I will have to remain fairly vague to not spoil anything. What I can share is that there are a lot of characters that will be familiar if you’re interested in Greek mythology, ghosts and magic. Mankin also managed to bring the love of the written word into this one, and I loved that one of the main characters read poetry, while the other wrote lyrics for songs. It was a link between them that I found both sweet and endearing.
Written in dual points of views, from both Thyme and Billy’s perspectives, I got to know both of them very well. Their story was both tragic and beautiful, and it was impossible not to feel their feelings as their story unfolded. The first person, past tense worked very well for this tale that mesmerized me from start to finish.
The entire scene too familiar to be shocking to him anymore, my manager continued to voice his displeasure peppering the air with Cajun curses strong enough to make my eyes water.
Arla responded calmly, his wrinkle free western shirt and pressed Wrangler jeans outward reflections of his inner chillaxed attitude.
I put stubborn hands on my aproned hips, Mine were more in proportion to my petite frame. Mamere’s were much wider, a testament to her love of food in general. She’d been sampling the ice cream we made at Chantelle Glace in the historic Vieux Carré section of New Orleans for a number of years before I came along.
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
A little strange you say? Then yes, I want to read it. 😀
LOL Christy! You and I are so much alike! My kids sometimes tell me ‘oh, mom I’ve heard a really strange song on the radio… you’re going to love it’!
The second book in this series will be released in May, so now is a great time to try Strange Magic, too 😉
If it’s strange, I want to read it as well! I think we should probably start a club at this point 😛
Seriously, I love the sound of this one, thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lexxie!
It was really well done, Silvia, the strangeness, the magic, the mythology… I loved it 🙂
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I’ve never read this author, but this story sounds really interesting. I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology. I do like books that are called “strange”. I’m adding to my TBR.
It’s really interesting, Melanie, and the Greek mythology is well done, even if it isn’t ever-present! I love that so many of us love ‘strange’ 😉
Oh that’s fun! So many things in this one and I didn’t even know about it! I think I’ll keep it in mind now. Thanks my friend!
You should definitely keep this author in mind, Melliane, I have really enjoyed most of her books (that I have read so far)!
This is a new author to me Lexie but I am loving the setting and the mix of mystery, music, mythology and ghosts. And I like the way both characters like words too, I always think song lyrics are like poetry when you read them or really listen to them (well some!). Sounds like a good read.
Yeah, the mix is amazing, and the story is so well done 🙂 And I agree, some song lyrics are definitely like poetry (I actually use song lyrics in my classes sometimes… first, we listen to a song the students know, and then we look closely at the lyrics).
Twitter: kbaby81
Well I definitely love Greek Mythology and magic, so this looks like a treat. Glad you enjoyed it!
It was a treat, Lekeisha. Having good character development, a solid story and a mystic plot was really nice 🙂
Greek Mythology for the win!!! I don’t remember much from high school but I loved all things that had to do with Greek Mythology. I haven’t read any of Mankin’s work but this looks really interesting! Great review Lexxie 🙂
Oh, this is a great introduction to Mankin’s stories, Jenn 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Glad to hear this one became more magical as you continued on! It sounds like a really good read. I like books that keep you wondering/guessing as you go!
-Lauren
It was really good, Lauren, and keeping me guessing is a good think, for sure!
oh oh.. did you say you were transported to a magical realm where Greek gods and ghost??? and the book was a strange in a very good way??? and THERE IS POETRY AND SONG LYRICS??? Where has this book been my whole life???
That’s exactly what I said, Daniela!! IT was amazing 🙂
I’m so happy you gave this one a shot, Lexxie, and loved it. I did as well. It’s a unique story and I loved how Mankin incorporated the mythology. I also loved all the quotes at the chapter beginnings. There was just so much to enjoy here. And I was impressed at Mankin’s storytelling ability. 🙂 Great review!
**BIG HUGS**
Mankin is an amazing storyteller, and I can’t wait to get back into this world very soon! *BIG HUGS*
Twitter: limabean74
You have a magical way of making me want to read all the books you do 🙂 I am going to add this to my TBR List. I love the sound of it being strange but in a good way. Great review!
I think you’ll really enjoy Strange Magic, Michelle! And it’s so well written!