Innate Magic, Shannon Fay
Innate Magic, Shannon Fay
2 Rating(s)
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Innate Magic

Author: Shannon Fay

Narrator: Peter Kenny

Unabridged: 11 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/01/2021


Synopsis

From debut author Shannon Fay comes the first novel in the enchanting Marrowbone Spells series featuring Paul Gallagher, a lower-class magician who aspires to high society through spells, wits, and irresistible charm.Delightfully cheeky, unquestionably charming, and sometimes maddeningly naive, cloth mage Paul Gallagher is desperately trying to make a name for himself in a reimagined postwar London. But in a world where magic is commonplace, sewing enchanted clothes is seen as little more than a frivolous distraction. Paul is hiding a secret, however: he possesses a powerful—and illegal—innate magic that could help him achieve his wildest dreams.Unfortunately, Paul confides in the wrong person—his latest crush, Captain Hector Hollister—and is drawn into a sinister plot that risks reigniting the machinery of war. To make matters worse, the pretty American gossip reporter Paul just met reveals her personal quest to expose a government cover-up may be related to Hollister’s magical goals. When Hollister threatens the life of Paul’s dearest friend, he realizes that his poor judgement has put not only his family and friends in danger, but also the whole world.The only way to set things right may be for Paul to undergo the dangerous ritual to become Court Magician—the most powerful magician in the country. But is becoming part of the institution the best way to enact change in a terribly unjust society?

About Shannon Fay

Shannon Fay is a writer living in K’jipuktuk/Halifax, Canada. She attended the Clarion West Writers Workshop in 2014 and has a day job editing manga. She lives with her biggest critic (a very vocal, very fluffy white cat) and her biggest supporter (a very kind human). When not writing novels and short stories, she likes to go ice-skating (in the winter) and play board games (year-round). Innate Magic is her first novel.


Reviews

I enjoyed this one quite a bit! The foundation of this book can be found on the character dialogue and that honestly worked well for me. I could've done with more descriptions in terms of the background, but the book takes place in London so it's not like I couldn't paint up everything on my own. Th......more

Goodreads review by Kyle

Okay, this one is gonna be messy. I apologize beforehand. I’m always put off by stories that involve the loss of autonomy. The fact that Paul’s innate magic allows for anyone he meets to want to be his friend bugs me. Free will is a big deal, and that sort of manipulative ability would certainly cree......more

Goodreads review by Marcia

Interesting premise but just terribly written. So clunky. And the catholic obsession is weird.......more

Goodreads review by Beth

This is a highly enjoyable book that feels both cozy and original in so many ways! I was fortunate enough to get an early copy and sent along a blurb: "Innate Magic romps about a magic-infused mid-20th century London with a plot packed with both charm and grit. What a fun kick-off to a new series!"......more


Quotes

"Peter Kenny narrates an alternate-reality fantasy set in post-WWII London.... Kenny imbues his portrayal of Paul with both cheerful optimism and a staggering naïveté.... Kenny's accent is impeccable. Paul is a Scouser; having grown up working class in Liverpool, he retains his accent despite his time in London. Other characters from a wide variety of social backgrounds and nationalities are performed with equal verve and believability, making Kenny's performance truly outstanding.” AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner“Fay expertly crafts a delightfully adventurous tale, animated by Paul’s chance encounters and audacious antics. This promising series starter announces Fay as a writer to watch.” Publishers Weekly“An absorbing debut fantasy novel…This great first fantasy outing from Fay will be well received by adults and young adults who like V. E. Schwab and Leigh Bardugo.” Library Journal