Urban Fantasy New Release: A Charade Of Magic, Book 1 by Helen Harper

A Charade Of Magic, Book 1
by Helen Harper

April 29, 2022
Urban Fantasy
There are three absolutes in Mairi Wallace’s world:

1. The Mages rule every city in Scotland with terrible, violent authority.

2. It is not physically possible for any woman to wield magic.

3. Mairi does not have a voice.

She is about to learn that none of these things have to be true.

From twisted wynds and tartan shops to a dangerous daemon and malevolent ravens, the future of a tattered nation might lie with one solitary woman.

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About the Author:

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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere

Book Review: Shrill Dusk (City of Magic #1) by Helen Harper

Shrill Dusk (City of Magic #1)

by Helen Harper
January 4, 2019
254 pages
Charley is a cleaner by day and a professional gambler by night. She might be haunted by her tragic past but she's never thought of herself as anything or anyone special. Until, that is, things start to go terribly wrong all across the city of Manchester. Between plagues of rats, firestorms and the gleaming blue eyes of a sexy Scottish werewolf, she might just have landed herself in the middle of a magical apocalypse. She might also be the only person who has the ability to bring order to an utterly chaotic new world.

This is the first book in The City Of Magic series.

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Charley is a part-time gambler, part-time custodian for the Manchester police department. When magic is unleashed on Manchester, Charley’s reality is totally upended. Suddenly, her gambling debt with the local thug is the least of her problems as she attempts to negotiate a regional apocalypse. Wagering her future, Charley amasses a troupe of gal pals determined to stay, and survive, in Manchester amidst evacuation orders. Harper creates some serious romantic tension with the inclusion of Monroe, a surly Scottish werewolf who agrees to a tenuous alliance with Charley and her gang.

Shrill Dusk is the series opener for Harper’s latest collection, City of Magic. Blog followers will know Helen Harper is a perennial favourite of mine, and if you haven’t read a Harper series, seriously, what are you waiting for? The events of Shrill Dusk overlap with the final book in Harper’s previous series, Fractured Faery. While the author includes a note in the opening claiming Shrill Dusk can be read without having read the Fractured Faery series, I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Readers will have a much richer reading experience if Fractured Faery is read prior to City of Magic.

Shrill Dusk is another Harper winner for me, and I can’t wait for book two. Charley is funny, creative, and resilient. I admire her pluck and determination to stay and defend her town. I look forward to seeing her powers develop and understanding their origin. Of course, as a romance junky, I also look forward to more Monroe. Romance, though, always takes a backseat to the action in a Harper tale. I enjoy the tone of Harper’s urban fantasy series; her characters never take themselves too seriously. This lighthearted approach always leaves me feeling refreshed and satisfied.

Five Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:

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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere

Book Review: Fractured Faery Trilogy by Helen Harper

Fractured Faery Trilogy
by Helen Harper
Box of Frogs (Fractured Faery #1)
July 5, 2018 - 282 pages
Quiver of Cobras (Fractured Faery #2)
July 5, 2018 - 408 pages
Skulk of Foxes (Fractured Faery #3)
August 1, 2018 - 320 pages
Book 1 blurb
One corpse. Several bizarre looking attackers. Some very strange magical powers. And a severe bout of amnesia. Madrona is not having a great week. It’s going to be okay though. All she has to do is find out who she really is, protect a soap star from being attacked by a stalker and work out why so many people seem so afraid of her. Because surely she’s a good person. Right? This is book one of a new urban fantasy trilogy and does contain an edge of your seat cliffhanger!

Fractured Faery is author Helen Harper’s most recent series. Released summer 2018, I read the trilogy this fall. To date, I’ve never been disappointed by Harper story. Her work is stellar. I highly recommend this series, this author as well as two previous series, Highland Magic and The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic.

Fractured Faery is an urban fantasy centered on Madrona, a young fae woman of considerable power who also happens to have amnesia. Madrona’s misadventures begin when she wakes up on golf course beside a dead body. Madrona must unravel the person she was before she can fully realize who she wants to be. As is typical in a Harper vehicle, Madrona has a tenuous ally in Morgan, the gorgeous fae bar owner. Madrona and Morgan share a complicated past, except Madrona doesn’t remember any of it.

This series has it all; fantasy, suspense, action, romance, and well-crafted characters. Fractured faery is fun and funny.

While I preferred the first two installments to the third, I’d still give the overall trilogy five sheep.

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:

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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

New Urban Fantasy from Helen Harper: The Fractured Faery Trilogy

Has Helen Harper ever written a bad book? According to our reviewer Bianca Greenwood—NO, she hasn't.

Helen Harper has a new UF trilogy coming out this month. Al three books will release in July. You can buy book 1 Box of Frogs already, and pre-order the next two!

Box of Frogs (The Fractured Faery Book 1)
by Helen Harper
July 5, 2018
266 pages
One corpse. Several bizarre looking attackers. Some very strange magical powers. And a severe bout of amnesia.

Madrona is not having a great week. It’s going to be okay though. All she has to do is find out who she really is, protect a soap star from being attacked by a stalker and work out why so many people seem so afraid of her. Because surely she’s a good person.

Right?

This is book one of a new urban fantasy trilogy and does contain an edge of your seat cliffhanger!

Quiver of Cobras (The Fractured Faery Book 2)

by Helen Harper

July 15, 2018

263 pages

One wondrous faery with stupendous magical skills and a superior mind (not to mention incredible modesty). One drop dead gorgeous, green eyed stud muffin and his evil Fey brother. And the end of the world. Maybe. 

Madrona might still not remember anything about her past, and she might be more of an evil villain than a fabulous super hero, but that doesn't mean she can't also be a super spy. With Rubus desperately searching for the magical dragon sphere which can return the faeries back to their homeland - and cause the apocalypse in this land - she doesn't have much choice.

Someone with wit, intelligence and strength has to step up and save the world ... and if that person happens to look super sexy while doing it then that's just an added bonus.

This is the second book in the urban fantasy series, The Fractured Faery, and ends with a nail-biting cliffhanger.

Skulk of Foxes (The Fractured Faery Book 3)

by Helen Harper

July 30, 2018

One impending apocalypse. Several crazy faeries. A few troubling plagues of locusts and storms of fire ... It's just another day in Manchester for the Madhatter. 

Madrona might still have amnesia and might yet prove to be a vicious murderess but that doesn't mean she's going to quit being a heroine just yet. However, while she might be prepared to go to any lengths to stop Rubus from triggering Armageddon, it's equally possible that the world will end as a result of her actions too. Manchester is experiencing terrifying surges in magic which are causing all sorts of chaotic events to occur. With a dragon, several werewolves and a host of faeries by her side, there is still a thread of hope. 

And green eyed, sexy arsed Morgan. There's always him.

This is the third and final book in The Fractured Faery urban fantasy series.

About the Author:

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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere.

Book Review: Wraith by Helen Harper

Wraith
by Helen Harper
February 25, 2018
276 pages
Magic. Shadows. Adventure. Romance.

Saiya Buchanan is a wraith, able to detach her shadow from her body and send it off to do her bidding. But, unlike most of her kin, Saiya doesn't deal in death. Instead, she trades secrets - and in the goblin besieged city of Stirling in Scotland, they're a highly prized commodity. It might just be, however, that the goblins have been hiding the greatest secret of them all. When Gabriel de Florinville, a Dark Elf, is sent as royal envoy into Stirling and takes her prisoner, Saiya is not only going to uncover the sinister truth. She's also going to realise that sometimes the deepest secrets are the ones locked within your own heart.

This is a stand-alone urban fantasy novel.

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Wraith is a new standalone novel by urban fantasy author Helen Harper. It’s the story of Saiya Buchanan, a wraith living in besieged Stirling, Scotland. The inhabitants of Stirling have been caught in the crossfire of a goblin battle for regional supremacy and have been struggling to merely survive. For her part, Saiya’s status as a wraith allows her to surreptitiously collect and trade secrets as currency. Universally maligned, wraiths must protect their identities at all costs or risk swift persecution. Dark Elf diplomat and representative of the Scottish Prime Minister, Gabriel de Florinville, arrives in Stirling and soon finds that nothing is as it seems. When Saiya and Gabriel find the goblins are harbouring a catastrophic secret, they must work together to save Stirling and Scotland. This is one secret Saiya must trade with the utmost care.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wraith, devouring it in short order. It’s excellent urban fantasy with the exemplary storytelling I’ve come to expect from Harper. The book is non-stop action with a strong female character. The romance between Saiya and Gabriel is well-developed and deliciously executed. Harper deftly combines magical qualities with the grit of the real world. Enhancing the story’s depth are touches of historical fiction and undertones of social commentary. Additionally, the cover art is absolutely entrancing.

Wraith is a superb urban fantasy standalone and would serve as an excellent starting point for readers new to Helen Harper.

Five Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #3) by Helen Harper

Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #3)

By Helen Harper
August 23, 2017
268 pages
If anyone appreciates what it means to be dead to the world, it's Ivy Wilde.

Barely recovered from her brush with necromancy, Ivy is flung once more into a world of intrigue, adventure and potential death and disaster. It's not her fault - it just so turns out that she's now the only person in the entire world who can communicate with the dead. And they're a chatty bunch with a list of demands.

When the ghosts offer information about a witch-hating mass murderer in return for Ivy's help, she has no choice but to get involved. She might be getting herself into more trouble than she realises though - and that's even before she's dragged to Sunday dinner so she can meet Winter's family...

This is the third book in The Lazy Girl's Guide To Magic series.

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Spirit Witch marks the conclusion to Helen Harper’s Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic Trilogy. In this final installment, Ivy has acquired the ability to communicate with dead souls trapped on the earthly plane; a side effect of the necromantic magic she absorbed in book two. For all of Ivy’s lackadaisical tendencies, she feels compelled to assist the trapped souls in crossing over amidst being thrust into a serial killer investigation. With Raphael Winter by her side, Ivy sets about solving the mystery and using her newfound power for good. Perhaps with the mystery behind her Ivy will finally find time for a little Netflix ‘n’ Chill.

Spirit Witch has all the exceptional characteristics I’ve come to rely upon in a Helen Harper book. Her stories are well-crafted and imaginative, both action-packed and hilarious. Harper is an accomplished creator of romantic tension. At this point in the series, however, Ivy and Winter have solidified their feelings. Gone is the delicious tension created in the first two books. Instead, Harper focuses on developing her highly entertaining characters and thrilling storyline. One of my favourite characters of this series is Brutus, Ivy’s feline familiar. He’s salty as hell, but always comes through when it counts.

This is the third Helen Harper series I’ve read, and I’m hooked. Her books have something for all paranormal readers, but I especially love her humour and witty female heroines. If you haven’t already, it’s time to check out Helen Harper.

Review: Slouch Witch (Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #1) 

Review: Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #2)

Four Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #2) by Helen Harper

Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #2)

by Helen Harper

July 10th 2017

Kindle Edition, 271 pages

Published 

Lights. Camera. Inaction. 

Ivy Wilde, the laziest witch in the West, is still entangled with the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. That's not a bad thing, however, because it gives her plenty of excuses to spend more time with sapphire eyed Raphael Winter, her supposed nemesis. And when he comes knocking because he needs her to spy on the latest series of Enchantment, she jumps at the chance. Hanging around a film set can't be hard ... or dangerous ... right?

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic is the story of Ivy Wilde, slacker witch extraordinaire. It’s the latest series by fantasy writer Helen Harper, and so far, Harper has another winning series. The series is slated to be a trilogy. I reviewed book one, Slouch Witch, last month and the final series installment, Spirit Witch, is set for release later this summer.

In book two Ivy is still driving a cab and eluding – quite deliberately – greatness. Despite her stellar work with the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment (The Order), Ivy remains content to stay out of the politics and prestige of the magical organization. But, when Raphael Winter, Ivy’s former partner/would-be lover, requests her assistance, Ivy simply cannot refuse. Her current assignment is an undercover arrangement on her favourite reality television show “Enchantment,” a Survivor-type challenge show where fledging witches compete for top spot.

Star Witch is part romantic comedy, part urban fantasy, part whodunit, part social satire. I adore Ivy as the consummate lazy girl, however, as the story develops, she’s realizing that laziness isn’t nearly as rewarding as being all in. I’m sure I’m starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but I adore Helen Harper’s charming heroines and action-packed story lines. While I wouldn’t exactly classify the book’s ending a cliff-hanger, we aren’t given the satisfying closure I typically prefer. This series is building to a highly rewarding finale. I can’t wait.

Review: Slouch Witch (Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #1) 

Five Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Slouch Witch (Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #1) by Helen Harper

Slouch Witch (Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic #1)

by Helen Harper

June 8, 2017

342 pages

Hard Work Will Pay Off Later. Laziness Pays Off Now. 

Let's get one thing straight - Ivy Wilde is not a heroine. In fact, she's probably the last witch in the world who you'd call if you needed a magical helping hand. If it were down to Ivy, she'd spend all day every day on her sofa where she could watch TV, munch junk food and talk to her feline familiar to her heart's content.

However, when a bureaucratic disaster ends up with Ivy as the victim of a case of mistaken identity, she's yanked very unwillingly into Arcane Branch, the investigative department of the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. Her problems are quadrupled when a valuable object is stolen right from under the Order's noses. 

It doesn't exactly help that she's been magically bound to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter. He might have piercing sapphire eyes and a body which a cover model would be proud of but, as far as Ivy's concerned, he's a walking advertisement for the joyless perils of too much witch-work. 

And if he makes her go to the gym again, she's definitely going to turn him into a frog.

Slacker witch Ivy Wilde is a classic underachiever. Maybe she’s afraid of success, maybe she’s totally fulfilled driving a taxi, maybe she just reeeeally likes her couch and television. Whatever the case, Ivy does not want to be the next great thing to happen to witchery. In fact, Ivy has thwarted the attention of The Order, the hierarchical institution for witches in training, for years. But when a comedy of errors binds Ivy and The Order’s rising star, Raphael Winter, Ivy is forced, kicking and screaming, into witchy detective work as the newest and most reluctant member of The Order’s Arcane Branch.

Once again Helen Harper manages to hold me in thrall with a brand new, totally entertaining urban fantasy. Slouch Witch checks all the boxes; a strong but likeable heroine, a domineering male interest, intrigue, action, and an abundance of laugh out loud scenarios. I couldn’t put this one down, as is often the case with Harper’s work.

As a total Type-A, I don’t wholly identify with Ivy, however, she’s just so darn likeable and relatable. And while she’s reluctant to become involved in Order business, she eventually finds there might be something to detective work. I look forward to seeing where Ivy’s talents take her. The romantic tension between Ivy and Raphael is totally combustible. Harper can craft a burgeoning romance plagued by miscommunication, misunderstanding, and bad timing like no other.

If you’re looking for a great summer read, look no further. Plus, two subsequent installments of the series are both slated for summer release, so you won’t have to wait.

Five ‘Wilde-ly” Enthusiastic Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.


Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Dreamweaver Series (Night Shade #1, Night Terrors #2, Night Lights #3) by Helen Harper

Dreamweaver Series (Night Shade #1, Night Terrors #2, Night Lights #3)
by Helen Harper

Night Shade (Dreamweaver Book 1)
March 31, 2015

306 pages

"I have special coping mechanisms for the times I need to open the front door. They’re even often successful..." 

Zoe Lydon knows there's often nothing logical or rational about fear. It doesn't change the fact that she's too terrified to step outside her own house, however. 

What Zoe doesn't realise is that she's also a dreamweaver - able to access other people's subconscious minds. When she finds herself in the Dreamlands and up against its sinister Mayor, she'll need to use all of her wits - and overcome all of her fears - if she's ever going to come out alive.

This is a new contemporary series by the author of Bloodfire.

Night Terrors (Dreamweaver Book 2) 

September 28, 2015

229 pages

Joe is a dreamweaver. In fact, she's the one and only dreamweaver. All she needs to do is touch someone else and she can not only see their dreams but she can manipulate them too. Unfortunately for her, this is a very desirable talent and the sinister Department are desperate to use her powers for their own ends. At least with brooding, silver-eyed Dante by her side, she's not going to be alone anymore, even if his over-protective nature is driving her crazy. But Zoe has bigger problems - vast swathes of people are being attacked by horror-filled visions and sleep paralysis ... and it might all be her fault.

Night Lights (Dreamweaver Book 3)

February 17, 2017

193 pages
Everyone seems to be after the dreamweaver. Zoe might be able to manipulate minds and walk through dreams but she has little control over what happens in the real world. On the run from her ex-lover and the sinister Department, she finds herself facing the greatest challenge of her life. She doesn't just have to succeed in dreams - she has to succeed in reality too.

This is the third and final book in the Dreamweaver series.

Agoraphobic and IT specialist Zoe Lydon has developed a curious condition. While she is terrified to leave her home, she’s suddenly able to traverse alternate dimensions while she dreams. She’s also developed the fantastic ability to enter the dreams of anyone she comes into physical contact with. Zoe is transported to the Dreamlands, a quaint town where Travellers, those who have this ability to traverse the dream dimension, congregate. It turns out that Zoe, however, is no ordinary Traveller, she’s the dreamweaver, the one person in existence who can change the course of dreams and affect the subconscious of the dreamer. Understandably her power is highly coveted. Throughout the series, Zoe is confronted by malicious foes, both human and paranormal, who seek to manipulate Zoe and her burgeoning power. The Dreamweaver Series chronicles Zoe’s transformation from timid twenty-something to dreamweaver phenom.

I am a big Helen Harper fan. Starting with Night Shade, I was hooked on this story. I love Harper’s imaginative storytelling and plucky heroines. The book contains Harper’s signature quirky humour intertwined with non-stop action. Zoe is a great character and I loved following her transformation. Harper also excels at generating romantic tension. The tension between Zoe and brooding Dante is palpable. Romance, though, always seems to take a backseat to the action and Harper makes it work. And while the tension between Zoe and Dante was delicious, the pay-off, in my opinion, was seriously lacking.

I have to admit that I didn’t love the series’ ender as much as the first two books. I was a little disappointed in the direction of some of the characters as the series wrapped up. However, this issue is minor and overall I loved the series from start to finish. I loved the Dreamlands construct and the creative storytelling. If you’re looking for an entertaining, original series, check out this winner from Helen Harper. Plus, all three book are currently free with Kindle Unlimited.

The series gets 4 ½ Sheep from me, overall

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Last Wish (Highland Magic #4) by Helen Harper

Last Wish (Highland Magic #4)
by Helen Harper
December 1st 2016
Kindle Edition, 171 pages
It's not easy pretending to be dead - especially when it feels as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Between an unfulfilled prophecy, the demon-occupied Lowlands, the continuing power of murderous Aifric Moncrieffe - not to mention her constant yearnings for Byron - Integrity Adair has a lot to worry about.

Still, how hard can it really be to save Scotland, maintain her morals, get the guy and keep her sense of humour?

This is the fourth and final book in the Highland Magic series.

Last Wish marks the final adventure for Integrity Adair and her troupe of clanless. I have absolutely adored this series from start to finish and have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. While I regret the story has ended, I’m ultimately satisfied. I’d rather a series end slightly prematurely than die a slow death. It’s difficult to write a review for a series finale. The feelings are mixed with inevitable letdown. Ultimately, dear readers, I want you to read this series from the start. And so, I won’t reveal overmuch.

Integrity has faked her death and must maintain the ruse. As chieftain, she faces a seemingly impossible situation. Hunted by lowland occupying Fomori demons and devious defacto fae king Aifric Moncrieffe, Integrity must stay "dead" until she can devise a plan to secure the safety of her clan and all of Scotland.

Once again, Integrity proves to be a clever risk-taker and wholly entertaining heroine. The cast of characters is complementary, most notably Bob the genie. Helen deftly weaves action, suspense, humour, and romance in her Highland Magic series. The plot is non-stop intense and rarely predictable. The series is not reliant on the romantic tension between Integrity and Byron, however, it undoubtedly adds appeal. Call me a borderline perv, but I, for one, would’ve immensely appreciated a greater ‘fleshing’ out of the romance, however, I realize this wasn’t the ‘thrust’ of the novel. Pardon my puns, they’re for Integrity.

So long Integrity, Highland Magic was truly magical.

Review: Gifted Thief (Highland Magic #1)

Review: Honour Bound (Highland Magic #2)

Review: Veiled Threat (Highland Magic #3)

4 ½ sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!

Book Review: Veiled Threat (Highland Magic #3) by Helen Harper

Veiled Threat (Highland Magic #3)
by Helen Harper
238 pages
May 29th 2016
Integrity Taylor has regained possession of her ancestral lands - and inherited a whole host of new problems. The spectre of what really happened to her parents is casting a shadow over everything while Fomori demons are being sighted up and down the Highlands. It doesn't help that Aifric Moncrieffe still seems determined to see her dead and emerald eyed Byron remains stubbornly blind to his father's true nature.

Integrity is determined to stay in control of her own destiny, however, even if it means confronting the darkness across the Veil yet again. And at least she's still got a sense of humour.

I continue to adore this series, Highland Magic, and its writer Helen Harper. In this third installment, Integrity Adair is working to reclaim her ancestral clan lands after they were desecrated a generation previous. She assembles a rag-tag bunch of loyal followers and attempts to devise a plan to restore the Adair lands to their former glory. Part of that plan includes crossing the veil into Fomori demon territory. Feared by all of Scotland, the Fomori pose a serious security threat to clan and clan-less alike. Not one to shrink from a challenge, Integrity puts all her skills to the test as Chieftain Adair for the good of her family name as well as the ever-amassing clan she’s accumulating.

As always, this installment of Highland Magic was a pleasure to read. Book three has all the trademark humour, action, and romantic tension I’ve come to love in this series. I continue to like Integrity as a hero, genie Bob as comic relief, and Byron as a romantic interest. I really appreciate the strength Harper grants Integrity; while she might not be the most physically kickass heroine, she’s certainly among the most clever and resourceful. Tipsania’s development in this book was interesting surprise. Also, the additions of new characters like Sorley the troll and Fergus the bauchan helped further establish the fantastic theme as well as generate a newness within the series.

There are some fairly catastrophic loose ends at the end of book three, so be warned. With a book four release date set for December 2016, it’s going to be a long wait. 

Review: Gifted Thief (Highland Magic #1)

Review: Honour Bound (Highland Magic #2)

4 ½ sheep

Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland.

Helen currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with far too many cats – not to mention the dragons, fairies, demons, wizards and vampires that seem to keep appearing from nowhere!