Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
City of Broken Magic by Mirah Bolender Series: Chronicles of Amicae #1
Published by Tor on November 20, 2018
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 393
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Five hundred years ago, magi created a weapon they couldn’t control. An infestation that ate magic—and anything else it came into contact with. Enemies and allies were equally filling.
Only an elite team of non-magical humans, known as sweepers, can defuse and dispose of infestations before they spread. Most die before they finish training.
Laura, a new team member, has stayed alive longer than most. Now, she’s the last—and only—sweeper standing between the city and a massive infestation.
I just love books with magic. I saw this and the blurb sounded great so I was excited to get City of Broken Magic. I wish I had re-read the blurb again before I read the book and some things might have made more sense but others would have made less, so.. Yes, I had some of that first book .. I don’t get the world .. I don’t know the characters yet.
Laura is the main character and we see the world through her. She is a new adult, just out of school. She is very young but capable. I liked her and found she had realistic feelings. We all want to sleep in sometimes or don’t like parts of our job, or wonder how we are doing.
As far as the work itself and the broken magic, I was more frustrated by lack of understanding and action. It didn’t really get going until almost half-way through. Then, it was life-and-death crazy, and I was in fear for the characters I now like. The action was harrowing and fast-paced.
Now I know the main characters, although there are some supporting ones to be more developed, perhaps. The basic facts are clear. But what the hell are they going to do now? I’m totally ready for more in the Chronicles of Amicae series.
About Mirah Bolender
Mirah Bolender graduated from college with majors in creative writing and art in May 2014. A lifelong traveler, she has traveled and studied overseas, most notably in Japan, and these experiences are reflected in her work. City of Broken Magic is her debut fantasy novel.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- COYER WINTER
There are several series that I love that had the first book confusion thing going on. I’m liking the idea behind this and might check it out.
Yes I think it is sometimes more on me than than the author. Or it is just part of first books when it is going to be a series, obviously not everything will be in one book because it’s a series.
You’re the second reviewer to be confused about the world so I will have to bear that in mind if I pick this one up. Sounds like the half-way point really changed things up, too.
Yes, we are seeing everything through Laura’s eyes and she is learning and doesn’t know everything. The things she already knows she may not “think” about them. So we get her frustration and confusion about what she doesn’t know or wants to know.
I think I will have to wait for some reviews of later books to decide if I want to read this series. First books can have some issues but I need to know that it will ultimately be worth picking up. The fact that you are ready for the next book is a very good sign.
yes, I will read on and let you all know!
First books can be really rough in this genre. I will be curious to see if your frustrations work themselves out in book two.
Me too. But it was an enjoyable read, even with the confusion and sometimes it isn’t.