Review: "The Magic Wakes" by Charity Bradford

The Magic Wakes review
Author: Charity Bradford
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy Romance
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of romance, fans of science fantasy, people who enjoy a good story
Book Available: February 19, 2013
Trigger Warnings: Some violence, genocide

My Thoughts: This is a very interesting world that Charity Bradford has created. In many ways it is much like ours, but there are enough differences that it feels exotic. I’m especially impressed by how well this book turned out, since it is her debut novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The characters are believable and complex, the world building is terrific, and I really enjoyed the way she blended two of my favorite genres: science fiction and urban fantasy. Plus... dragons! Who doesn’t like dragons, right? There were only a couple things that bothered me, and neither should really bother most other people.

First thing, is that in some ways, there is too much romance in this story for my tastes, including the cliché of love interests reacting to each other with irritation and snappishness without even understanding why. Fortunately there are enough other things going on to hold my interest that it didn’t significantly detract form my enjoyment of the story, and for many people that romance element will probably be the selling point.

The only other thing that really bothered me is that we don’t learn what is planned for the magic users going forward. I’m not certain if this is to be continued in another book, but that one thread dangling is itching at my brain terribly!

However, that wasn’t enough to significantly lessen my enjoyment of the story, and I think most others will agree that this is a very well-written and enjoyable story. I can definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you would enjoy.

I’m also a stop on Charity Bradford’s mini-blog-hop, and you can see that post here.

Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She has kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.

Talia's work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton is not looking for a friend. He is looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.