"Myths are unpredictable. Magic is troublesome."

* * * *
4 / 5

Myths & Magic is a simple, Skulduggery Pleasant-esque tale of a boy who answers a weird job offer (Craigslist, am I right?) and is dragged into a world of myths and magic. Add in a hefty dollop of teenage angst and a bisexual coming-out story and you’ve got a pleasant, easy read.

“Family isn’t about blood, Bridger. It’s about who is there for you and who makes you happy”

Bridger Whitt is an ordinary boy applying to out-of-state universities so he can run away from his loving mum and best friend Astrid so that he doesn’t have to come out as bisexual. He applies to a weird job offer on Craigslist and ends up as assistant to a weird bloke called Pavel who won’t tell Bridger what he does. We’ve all been there. Turns out Pavel is an intermediary between the human world and the world of myths and magic, but through a series of freak events (including Bridger being savaged by a mermaid) they seem to be drawing devastatingly closer together. Bridger is also very busy crushing on hot neighbour Leo.

Myths and Magic reminded me heftily of one of my favourite ever book series, Skulduggery Pleasant; in both you have a young teen diving eagerly into a world of magic and wonder, trying to keep their lives separate and their parents in the dark. Unlike Valkyrie Cain, Bridger actually has friends (okay, one) and a hot crush. We’ve got the weird mentor figure – Pavel is grumpy but also quite sweet with a heart of gold – and the bizarre monsters – a unicorn that will only interact with virgins, an enchanting werewolf.

Bridger is easy to like and the story is simple to follow. It’s got a cute gay romance, some predictable twists, a bit of angst, and all the highs and lows of teenage drama. What more could you want?

My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I absolutely loved this book! I was sucked into it from the start, and I had such a fun time reading it. This is definitely that book I'll go to whenever I'm feeling a bit down, because this'll definitely be able to cheer me up. I loved the plot, the characters, the writing, EVERYTHING. F.T. Lukens has definitely become an auto-buy author for me.

This gets an extra star because I really wanted to like it and the cover rocks. I started this book about three or four times and couldn't quite get into it - the distracted feeling persisted until I was about halfway through the book. While I liked the characters, they verged on stereotypes, which is a triple-hazard given the themes of myths/ high school / LGBTQ. The biggest flaw for me was that some character flaws (like Bridger's lying) were either understandable survival mechanisms (about being LGBT) or required (about work) until they were blown completely out of proportion by other characters. I also found the pacing to be very uneven. Overall, this read like a queer novelization of a Buffy episode - good for what it was, but I was really hoping for better.

Although the plot left something to be desired - plot points and resolutions almost seemed too easy - this was a highly enjoyable book that was both gripping and funny.

A fun read, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson! My favorite part was the mythology and how true and natural the teenage voices sounded. The bisexual rep in this book was great and it also depicted some complex and real friendships and mother/son relationships.

Funny, witty and has a unicorn on the cover so whats not to love.

Good, sweet fun. This was creative, ( I loved our nerdy MC) But it was different than another sort of modern fantasy tales. I loved all the characters and even the struggle of identity which can be so boring to read again was fresh and perfectly toned in this one. Bisexuality plus points here.

This was also a new to me author so claps all round

Reviews shared on Goodreads, V's Reads, Barnes & Noble and Amazon: https://vsreads.com/2017/10/23/learning-the-rules-and-regulations-for-mediating-myths-and-magic-is-awesome-a-review/

Bridger is a high school senior who knows his life is going to take a turn…hopefully for the better. He’s recently come to understand that he’s likely bisexual–prompted to his attraction to his gorgeous new neighbor, Leo, who has a habit of moving the lawn in only his shorts… Bridger is scared of what this means for him, as he lives in what he considers to be a small, conservative, hometown: Midden, Michigan. In order to explore this facet of his being, Bridger believes he must go away to college so he can experiment far away where his mother, a nurse who’s working as many double shifts as possible to support them, won’t hear about it and be upset with him.

So, he tries to get an assistant job for a local nutty professor, or so he thinks. The first test is entering the house where the professor works–and it’s high stakes. Bridger bests the suit-clad fellow applicants by sheer grit and ingenuity, and that’s the beginning of his new weird life. Pavel Chudinov, his new boss, has a house filled with intrigues, from the stunning Elena who nearly bewitches Bridger, to the caustic gunk that pretty much dissolved Bridger’s new tennis shoes, Bridger knows lots of strange is happening all around him. He brushes it aside, though, because his mission of away-college-funding is all the more important as Leo begins to shine his popular glow all over Bridger and Astrid, his best friend. This leads to a beach party invite that ends with mermaids trying to kill Bridger.

And, later, a unicorn attack. Oh, and learning that Elena is a werewolf. Bridger takes all this info in with aplomb, and minor freak outs. The pay is good, and Pavel is kind, as are his house pixies who assist with the work of mediating between the human and myth worlds. People, Bridger comes to realize, will find any implausible reason they can to explain the unexplainable. But Bridger’s hours on the job mean secrecy between him and Astrid, and the time he spends with Leo also strains their relationship. Especially as Bridger isn’t sure if Leo is being friendly out of sheer friendliness, or mutual attraction. What if Bridger’s misunderstood, and makes a mistake that could get him bashed?

As the story unfolds, Bridger pieces together the unlikeliest of circumstances: the recent convergence of myth in Midden, Michigan is due to the presence of a hero myth…and that might cause some cramps in his high school if that hero goes the way most of them do: death in glory. Bridger, allied with Pavel, his pixies, and eventually Astrid, are set on dissipating the magic, but Bridger wants it done with the least amount of bloodshed–and heart ache. He’s a sweet guy with real issues happening beyond the magic. I loved how he and his mom got along, and also his tight friendship with Astrid. There are so many fabulous characters here, including Pavel and Leo, who teach Bridger that coming out isn’t the end of the world, and that he’s loved right where he is. The magic is fun, and poor Bridger is a bit downhearted that the unicorn hates him. I was enchanted by the myth-weaving, and the resolution made my heart race. I so wanted Bridger to solve the problem without losing himself in the process, and I was rewarded with the best possible outcome. Bridger finds both love and acceptance in places he never expected. It’s a sweet and happy ending that felt like a beginning–because the book ends but new adventures may arise that he needs to tackle. That blue door on the third floor was left open to such possibilites, in any event.

one of my favorite ya fantasy books easily! So much action and so much fun, every page was a new adventure

This was such a fun, adorable read! Bridger applies to a Craiglist ad job in hopes of saving some money for college in the fall. The job starts with Bridger having to scale a building only to meet a boss covered in acidic slime, and as more and more bizarre things happen he realizes that he's become the assistant to a intermediary between the human world and the world of mythological creatures.

The humor in this was hilarious and slapstick, the character growth was satisfying, and the relationship building was adorable. I really enjoyed this book!

I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. This fact does not influence my rating.

There are many attempts by authors to try and draw in the reader with an opening scene, but describing the main character (Bridger) attempting to climb up the side of a house as thoughts flash threw his mind of exactly why he's in the situation in the first place is definitely a good one for me. The author makes sure that any needed information is quickly provided to the reader, so there is no confusion, and then anything really important that drives along the plot and keeps the reader interested, is sprinkled through the entire novel. Nothing revealed jars the reader out of the story, but drives it even further forward until the book reaches its' peak and everything around the main character explodes. Very little is left unanswered, as every single point has a reason behind it, and none of the characters, Bridger or his best friend Astrid, Pavel (his new boss) or Pavel's assistants to the object of Bridger's interest (Leo) are left to be flat one-dimensional characters.

There were moments that I wished that there was less of Bridger telling the reader of what he had heard or what happened when he interacted with someone or something else, but I do understand that not everything could be filled out to be an entire scene. It may have made the book clunky, causing the entire story to stutter with this slight off-topic, and this would have ruined how once I started the book, I couldn't put it down until i had finished it. This did mean I was up until 3am with work in the morning, but I view it as worth it.

I did enjoy the world that was created, as the author made sure that there was enough detail written in that the reader can picture it. The mingling of the world that we know of today, with how the magical creatures effect the real world without anyone even realising it. I would have liked a bit more description from what Bridger learned from the book that is the title of this story, though I did enjoy how the creatures that played minor parts in the beginning of the story returned and were given more explanation. I am guessing that in later books (crosses fingers), more of these magical creatures will be brought forward to play a part in Bridger's life.

There is only one gripe that keeps this from being a book that I will place on my shelf is due to the ending. It has been mentioned in other reviews of how the ending crashed in on itself. The problem presented to Bridger doesn't have the consequences that would be expected, considering how skillfully the author manages to weave in such issues on every other minor plot point. It felt extremely sudden, as if a deadline needed to be reached and the author ran out of time to properly expand and infuse enough detail to keep it up to par with the rest of the story. I had no problem with the actual final outcome, but I felt that it had been reached too easily and didn't cause Bridger to face the consequences the entire situation would realistically face.

All and all, I will be looking out for the next book in this series, if there is one. If the next one continues on the brilliance of the first one, and doesn't have the pitfall of the ending of the first one, then I will go back and buy the first just so that I have all available at my fingertips.

Honestly, how have I not heard of author F.T. Lukens before this? I grant you that The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic is only the third published novel by this writer, but it’s just brilliant. Humorous, intelligent and able to produce simply wonderful characters that make a deep impression on both your heart and mind, F.T. Lukens brings to life some of the most undeniably zany creatures you can ever imagine. From the butter and chocolate loving pixie duo of Nia and Bran to the seductive werewolf, Elena, the otherworldly beings loom larger than life in this novel, and they make what would otherwise be a run-of-the-mill paranormal sparkle and shine.

It all began with senior Bridger Whitt needing a part time job in order to realize his dream of leaving the state to pursue university the following year. Ever since his dad walked out on him and his mom, Bridger has tried his best to not demand too much from his overworked mother. But Bridger has been living for the future for far too long—holding back on embracing his increasing interest in the same sex. Hiding who he is and how unhappy he has grown, even his best friend, Astrid, Bridger is biding his time until he can start fresh at college and finally be himself. When it comes right down to it, Bridger is scared—worried he will let his mom down, worried his few friends will view him differently, worried that the boy he has a fierce crush on could never like him much less date him. So, he keeps to himself, wrapping all his anxiety and true feelings up in a “wait until I leave this town and start college” limbo, which does nothing but make him more lonely and isolated than ever.

And now there’s a boy—a perfect, gorgeous, wonderfully kind boy—who lives right across the street. He makes Bridger nearly swallow his tongue and trip over his feet every time he says hello. Leo…that amazing boy next door, the one who is untouchable if Bridger is ever to keep his secret about being bisexual. So Bridger keeps his head down, applies for the strangest job ever, assisting a lunatic named Pavel, who happens to always be at the scene of a calamity before anyone else. Before he knows it, Bridger is pulled into the secret world of myths and magic, and his life is never going to be the same. He will nearly lose that life to a ferocious mermaid, his sanity to a soul-sucking hag, and his heart to the worst thing of all—a myth who must fall in order to restore the balance between the world of magical creatures and the human world. And, in the end, that very myth that Bridger wants with all his heart must be sacrificed for the survival of all.

The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic is one of the finest YA paranormal stories I have ever read. Cleverly balanced with just enough humor to mitigate the real life anxiety and fear weighing Bridger down, the main cast of characters from Pavel to Astrid and Leo and all the others in between spring to life and lead you on a glorious chase that delights in so many ways. Without downplaying Bridger’s real turmoil over his sexuality and his fear of losing his mother’s love because of it, F.T. Lukens is able to offset that very real drama with fast-paced action, mythical creatures and loyal friends. All combine to help Bridger realize just how important it is to be himself and realize that love can conquer even the darkest fears.

A story I normally wouldn't read, but am glad I gave it a chance. Unique & refreshing!

Such a great story. Very unique plot and I was so invested in what was going to happen next. I liked going on the adventure with Bridger. Would definitely recommend for someone looking for a great adventure and fantastical story with heart.

This was such a fun book! The characters were great and all felt very real. There were a lot of nerdy jokes and general humor but it never felt forced. The romance plot was cute and actually believable, and didn't overshadow the action at all [in fact it was actually very relevant to it in a good way]. The world-building was also pretty cool and I liked this universe's take on how humans and 'myths' [aka any supernatural creature] interact. And it didn't devolved into a lot of unnecessary drama as so many YA books seem to do. The characters were clearly teenagers, but you didn't want to throw things at them [as I often do with YA books, especially romances]. I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a fun urban fantasy story.

Super cute, I mean it's a little ridiculous too, but utterly adorable. I thought the characters had realistic young adult, coming into themselves sort of problems that they handled well. I thought the couple was too cute for words. I liked the side characters. I thought the fantasy aspect of the book was engaging and interesting. And I thought it was funny. Granted, some of the humor was of the slapstick, silly sort. But still I enjoyed it. A rare, all around win for me.

F.T. Lukens is an author that never disappoints. Her Broken Moon Series (The Star Host and Ghosts & Ashes) remain absolute favorites of mine. Lukens is truly gifted with prose style that not only builds worlds effortlessly, but that create clear pictures for the readers. There’s an ease to her style that creates a cinematic experience for the reader.

The very first page of this book had me laughing out loud. Bridger’s internal monologue builds his character from the start. Bridger is immediately endearing. He’s clever and also very much a teenager. Lukens captures the feeling of adolescence — Bridger’s struggle with his sexuality as he begins to sort it out, his loneliness, his fears and insecurities — balancing them with his humor and to be frank, downright adorable self. It’s impossible not to root for him.

The tensions and development of Briger’s relationships throughout are handled beautifully. I clearly felt his fear of coming out to his mother and how the distance between them contributed to his loneliness. The friendship that blossoms from his work with Pavel brought tears to my eyes. Pavel is strange and changeable, but the affirmation and acceptance he brings to Briger was so necessary. I really appreciated that Lukens gave Briger an adult to help guide him and to show him support in his times of anxiety and the painful struggle of a difficult transitional age. Balancing new relationships, a new job, and Briger’s struggles felt very age appropriate. The way in which he began to build a relationship with Leo foiled with his falling out with his best friend (name) bring to mind how it felt to be seventeen and figuring out navigating love and friendship.

Additionally, there are the myths and magic. I loved that Lukens balanced a coming of age story that was so relateable with this magical world. There was no part of introducing or immersing the reader in this world that felt cumbersome. Here we have world building executed by a very skilled reader: no clunky exposition, no moments that dragged as the reader navigated her world.

The resolution of the plot regarding the increased appearance of mythical and magical creatures felt a little rushed, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of this novel at all. There’s a quality to Bridger and the humor infused throughout reminded me of David Levithan’s Boy Meets Boy, but on it’s own terms.

For readers who want YA fiction that captures the ups and downs, the insecurities and joys of adolescence, this book is a must. I could not recommend it more.

3.5 stars.

This was a cute and fun paranormal read, with a YA protagonist struggling to work out who he is, while also discovering there’s a whole lot more to the world than he ever imagined. I wasn’t sure about the writing style at first (a bit too many narrative side comments trying to be funny), but it swiftly settled down and became enjoyable fun.

I liked Bridger. He’s a bit geeky, a lot lonely and only really has one friend. But he’s determined to change, which is why he’s so desperate to go far away to college and transform himself into a whole new person that includes full acceptance for his newly acknowledged bisexuality. I liked how he handled the weirdness of his new job, slowly finding his feet with his new boss, Pavel, and his interesting assistants.

I loved those assistants. They’re great fun. Like most of the paranormal elements, actually. There’s a nice mix of old myths and more modern cryptids, adding a little danger here and there, but mostly just keeping everything interesting. There’s a bit of magic about too, but never anything too big or flashy. It’s mostly a mix of mundane and mediating, with often amusing results.

There’s a bit of romance too, very sweet and cute, as Bridger comes to terms with his bisexuality. In fact Bridger has a lot of things to face up to in this book – not just magic and romance – but there’s a handful of good secondary characters to help him along. One particular conversation he has with Pavel about acceptance is just perfect.

I only wish the ending had been a little more powerful. After all the build up it felt a bit anticlimactic. Which is a shame, because the rest of this is great fun and I’d love to read more from this world and these characters.

i quite liked this! bridger is an oddly named high school senior who's just picked up a new job as an assistant to...honestly he's not sure, the ad didn't specify?

(it's to an intermediary between the human world and myths. bridger's new job means he gets to pet a unicorn. he has LUCKED OUT)

(it also means he nearly gets drowned by a mermaid at one point but he survives and his crush helps rescue him so still #winning)

the story's quite upbeat and all the characters are essentially decent people. there's a nice mix of plot and romance and i liked the character development. also bridger's crush leo sounds super cute so good taste bud

3 stars

4*

ARC received via netgalley all opinions are 100% my own.

Summary:

Bridger Witt was an ordinary, slightly geeky, (mostly) straight high school student until a beautiful, sweet football player moved in across the street. Now, as senior year starts, Bridger struggles with this new understanding about his identity and fears anyone else in his small town discovering that he's not completely straight. Bridger figures if he can just make it through the year, he can leave town and start over in a bigger city without having to deal with the drama of coming out to his mother or peers.

With this plan in mind, and desperate to pay for college, Bridger answers an odd wanted ad. Little does he know that climbing in through the roof of his new employer's house will send him down a rabbit hole of cryptozoological adventure and oddities.

My Thoughts:

This has some great, positive rep, including an explicitly bi-protagonist which i thought was great. Overall cute characters. Positive coming out experiences. Cool cryptos and supernatural creatures.

Is it the most sophisticated story of this kind? No, and there's definitely a bit of a lost thread concerning the relationship conflict between Bridger and one of his friends. It's definitely a little tropey, it's a little clumsy in the third act, but it's cute, entertaining, kind of fluffy, and I would totally feel comfortable reccing it to queer teens. Especially younger queer teens. The world could use more fluffy positive queer books and this is a pretty good one.

First off, let me say that what really intrigued me about this book was its glorious cover and intriguing title. I was hoping that the writing and story within would capture my attention as surely as the cover had. It did.

Here we have a paranormal/fantasy YA book in which magic, including myths and legends live hidden amongst the human world. Our trepidatious MC, Bridger, desperate to leave small town Michigan via college, answers a job ad on Craigslist for an assistant. Some high flying acrobatics later, he lands the job. What he doesn't know is that now he is assistant to an intermediary, Pavel, who seeks to solve the problems of the magical beings.

Bridger finds himself trying to accept that magic is real, fretting over his sexuality, lying to his best friend, getting good grades, escaping rampaging unicorns, and angsting over his gigantic crush on Leo, the new jock in town. He’s got a full plate.

The characters Lukens created were very engaging, from Bridger, to seemingly perfect Leo (and there is a good reason for this), to Pavel, and to Astrid, Bridger’s best friend. Along with these primary and secondary characters, we see a host of magical creatures who Bridger and Pavel confront to keep the two realms at peace. This diverse cast make for a creative and lively read.

The excellent writing helped the plot move along. What I liked most about this story was that I wasn't given all the information up front. I had to see this from Bridger’s eyes. And while frustrating at times because I wanted to know all, it served its purpose to keep me engaged and invested in the outcome of not only the clash between the magical and human, but between Bridger and Leo, as well.

This is the second of Lukens’ books that I've read, and I must say that I will now list her as one of my favorite YA authors, and one of the best in the GLBT genre.

**I received an advance review copy of this eBook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**