Synopsis:
He doesn’t need a weapon. He is the weapon.
After losing his powers in an epic battle between good and evil, former sorcerer Nate Garrett finds himself living as a humble human in Clockwork, Oregon. While the world thinks Nate is dead, his friends continue to fight against Avalon and the evil it’s intent on spreading.
Avalon’s forces turn up in Clockwork, and Nate’s frustration grows with every passing day his magic doesn’t return. He finds himself trying to stop Avalon’s plans while hiding from enemies who would destroy everything in their path to see him dead.
Avalon’s darkness begins to threaten the people Nate cares about, and an old nemesis returns; magic or no magic, he has no choice but to fight. But will Nate see his magical powers reborn before the entire town—and everyone he loves—is destroyed?
My Review
Well this was one wild ride. Nate Garret has awoken from a battle with all his power drained. He’s been forced to live off grid in Clockwork as a human while awaiting the return of what he’s lost. He’s there longer than anyone expected and grown fond of the community he’s been integrated into.
Ohh that beginning
I’ve got to admit I struggled at the beginning. There was so much information and although this was the first of the series I felt like I’d missed a massive part of the story. That was because I had! This is a continuation of events that have happened in previous series set in the same world. Once I realised that I just went with the flow and settled into the story.
The Characters
The story is told from two points of view (POV), Nate and Layla. The chapters from Layla’s POV follow her and her team through other realms as they try and find the missing Dwarfs. I loved her and her team, a fab band of characters and it’s through them that we learn what is going on away from the realm of Earth. She’s the one that’s made me want to go back and read the other books. I need to know her back story and find out more about her ‘cat’.
Nate’s an easy person to like. Determined, a bit of a rebel and sticks his neck out for his friends. Even trapped as a human he gets involved to save his friends from people who wish to do them harm.
All of the side characters (there are so many) are also well written. There are a lot of characters here from myth and legend but not as you know them. Some of their interactions caused some laugh out loud moments for me.
Final Thoughts
The story progresses rapidly, the pace intense and the action heated. I read this in two sittings, no mean feat with two demanding kiddies. The magic is explained as you go along, so if you are a first time reader like me you will not feel left behind. Important as there are some epic magical battles involving complex branches of sorcery.
I really enjoyed the world that Steve has created. It’s so detailed and has real depth. I really appreciate that in my fantasy novels. This is my first book by Steve but it most certainly will not be my last, I have a whole back catalogue to investigate.
Many thanks to Anne for the invite onto the blog tour and to the publishers for a copy of the book.
Amazon UK : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sorcery-Reborn-Rebellion-Chronicles-McHugh/dp/1542093120
Author Bio
Steve’s been
writing from an early age, his first completed story was done in an English
lesson. Unfortunately, after the teacher read it, he had to have a chat with
the head of the year about the violent content and bad language. The follow up
‘One boy and his frog’ was less concerning to his teachers and got him an A.
It wasn’t for another decade that he would start
work on a full length novel, the result of which is Crimes Against Magic.
He was born in a small village called
Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young
daughters in Southampton.
Twitter @StevejMchugh
Website: https://www.stevejmchugh.wordpress.com/
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