Really on the fence with this one. I liked the world and felt there was a lot of potential, but it didn't live up to my expectations. My main problem was Alex. I like my heroines with some spunk, and unfortunately she was almost TSTL. She was always scared and clueless. She buried her head in the sand and was constantly surprised by obvious developments. Also the end left a lot to be desired for me. The who done it reveal came out of left field, the romance seemed added in as an afterthought, and the response to their error in suspects (and thier deaths) was brushed aside. I will read the next book of the series and hope that and hope that I see growth in both the characters and the author.

Alex’s job is a metalsmith but she soon finds its a gift likely a side effect of her fae nature. Alex’s life gets turned upside down when one of her friends goes missing and fae start coming out of the woodwork. Alex is drawn into a new world- one she never suspected. Alex will have to team up with some unlikely partners to solve the mystery of her missing friend and the keys to her past.

I enjoyed this book and the work the author did in setting up the platform for an exciting series. I enjoyed the characters and the world building. I especially like this genre and feel like this story stood out for many different reasons. The character was unique and strong as well as not willing to think outside the box while weighing the pros and cons of her decisions. I’m intrigued about her new and old friends and wonder if there will be a romantic connection. The author did a great job leaving the reader wanting to know more. Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 5.

I received a free copy of A DROP OF MAGIC (Book 1 of The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden in exchange for a honest review. #AdropOfMagic #NetGalley

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story. I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand. Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes.

A Drop Of Magic, is a new urban fantasy ... I was not here for. I read that it had romance elements or some romance, and really there was hardly none. This book had a lot of potential and I liked the world the author created. Though I didn't care for much else to be honest. Overall the story had lots of unexpected turns, and suspense and the characters IMP were okay,. My fav character was the CAT! .

Review:
Have you ever just been super pleasantly surprised by a book before? A Drop of Magic was not a book on my radar at all. I was scrolling through NetGalley looking for books I might like and came across this gem. I read the synopsis and thought it sounded interesting. I love books about fae, so that was already one thing I knew I'd like. And the trope of a girl who doesn't know who she really is but has this destiny waiting for her to just figure it out. I really enjoyed the work building and all the different characters. Alex is a tough chick and I am such a sucker for a touch female lead. I also loved all of the secondary characters. They feel like they are developing well and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book. This was literally one of those books where you get to discover a fantastic series at the very beginning of it, because I just know this series is going to be amazing. I've been looking for something fae I loved as much as the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning and this has serious potential to be just that. I cannot wait for the next book!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

This title combines many elements of genres that I enjoy reading; urban fantasy, Fae characters, mystery and murder.

When Alex, a metal smith, discovers that one of her best friends has been murdered it is only the beginning of a series of revelations that alter her life.

What follows is an enjoyable read, with detailed world building, an interesting story and a slew of characters that I look forward to getting to know better in future titles in the series. I also enjoyed the irony of the Fae characters being easily accepted as existing by the human population but werewolves and other creatures being viewed as belonging to myth and legend.

A Drop of Magic, by debut author L.R. Braden, is the first installment in the authors The Magicsmith series. A Drop of Magic is the story about 28-year old protagonist Alyssandra (Alex) Blackwood who works as an artist specializing in metal sculptures. She lives in the mountains outside of Nederland, Colorado and shows her work at Souled Art Gallery in Boulder, Colorado where her friend James Abernathy is owner. As the story opens, Alex receives some unwelcome visitors looking for an engraved box which is supposed to be in her possession.

After chasing the two unwanted Fae out of her work place, she hopes to get some help from The Paranatural Task Force. PTF is an international agency charged with enforcing the treaty that ended the Faerie Wars, and maintaining the peace between humans and all things paranatural. Her world slowly unravels with the arrival of a Lakewood Police Detective Garcia who claims that her friend, Aiden Daye, was murdered in his home. What's worse is that Alex missed a call from Aiden the day he was murdered with a cryptic message about a gift from her grandfather.

Since Alex's father disappeared during the Faerie War, and her mother died when she was 17, Alex has no known family. To make matters worse, PTF claims that they have evidence that Aiden was involved in the trafficking of Fae artifacts. Things take an even more dangerous turn when Fae Knight Malakai (Kai) Kairn claims he's been tasked to investigate Aiden's death, as well as tossing a spotlight on the fact that Aiden was a halfer (Half-Fae/Half-Human) who wasn't registered. A huge no-no in this world.

Halfers are supposed to be registered and are sent to the nearest Fae reservation for up to a year before they are allowed to return. The deeper she digs into her friend's death, the more uncomfortable and dangerous her life becomes. Then the truth bomb explodes: Alex learns from Kai that she is descended from an important and powerful Fae line which allows her to work with metals every day without any reaction. An ability that is dangerous if anyone found out what she could do, and who she actually is. That also makes her a Halfer which if exposed, could be detrimental to the life she has.

There is a fair amount of secondary characters who show up and are counted as either Alex's friends, or people who she finds out things about the world she has been blinded to until now. Her relationships are almost as important as solving Aiden's murder and helping Kai discover who has been taking the Fae artifacts and why. From David Nolan, to James Abernathy who is destined to be Alex's romantic interest, to Marc who opens her eyes to another para group living close by, to the PTF who are really not who you think they are.

Overall, a really good start to the series. There is plenty of mystery, surprises, twists, and originality to the story that will have me coming back for more.

I loved the world building and general sense that there were mysteries to solve as the story moved along. The author used familiar fairy-tale characters in a way that fresh enough to make the story enjoyable. The romance aspect was really rushed and seemed to come out of nowhere. I sincerely appreciated that loose ends were tied up at the end, but since the plot points were wrapped up, and the next book is coming, it would have been forgivable and more satisfying to leave the romance at more of a discovery point or conflict.

3.5 stars.
I really was not a fan of the heroine. I don't think there was anything inherently wrong with the way her character was written, but I like my supernatural heroines with a little more edge. She was constantly terrified, didn't know what to do, had no skills, was fumbling around and was mostly clueless. I think anytime there is a "human" supernatural component, there is always a sliver of power, something to come, and growth at the end of the book. She still had no clue and no growth. She does have a spark of power, but it was never really addressed and therefore didn't add much to her character growth.
I also found the resolution of the murders to be unfulfilling--a sudden Purist killer, and no real reason for the original Fae who accosted her--yes they were killed, but it was almost a useless killing and it felt distasteful to me--even though they were probably bad guys.
All in all a decent enough book, but would have to significantly improve to get me to read the others to come.

Three and a half stars.

Alex Blackwood works in a bookstore and is also a metalsmith in her spare time, having some success selling her art in a local art gallery.

Following the Faerie Wars all fae have to be registered and live on a reservation unless they have a special licence to live outside but tensions remain high between the fae and the humans. A serial killer is on the loose, apparently randomly targeting unrelated people, and one of Alex's best friends has been murdered. It turns out her friend may have been half-fae and in possession of some mysterious fae artefact. Indeed, it turns out that all the victims were half-fae, entrusted with fae artifacts - is someone trying to amass power or start another war?

Soon Alex is embroiled in trying to track down the killer and avenge her friend's death, but not everyone is as they seem - who can she trust?

I thought this had some potential as the start of a new series, the world building of a contemporary world in which the fae are out in the open (although hidden by glamours) but other paranormal creatures are still considered myths was good. I liked the various factions and not knowing who to trust.

However, I can already foresee at least a love-triangle if not a love-square with some of the characters - apparently everyone finds Alex irresistible and she already possesses special talents (sigh). Also, there was so much world-building that at times concepts were just thrown into the mix and not really explored further - maybe they will be the main thrust of the second book?

I will definitely look out for the second book to see how this series develops.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A metalsmithing artist who works at a bookshop, pulled into the net of a serial killer with links to the Fae... who comes to be called The Magicsmith. Ah, I really loved Alex Blackwood, the heroine of <i>A Drop of Magic</i> by debut author L.R. Braden. And in fact, I really liked the book entire, its universe a fun and fresh mixture of old and new.

In <i>A Drop of Magic</i>, Braden sets the magical Fae and humans together in the modern world where tourist visas, glamours, full moons, and police politics intersect when a string of murders goes unsolved — including one of Alex's best friends. What's uncovered rocks Alex's world. After all, she'd always thought she was human. She even works with iron, which is intolerable and painful to all Fae. She thought everyone she loved was human, but the deeper she digs into her friend's death, the more uncomfortable and dangerous her life becomes. Populated with a ton of fun characters, <i>A Drop of Magic</i> is a thrilling and original fantasy ride.

Again, my favorite part was Alex. Definitely badass — she backs down from no one — she's also kind and creative, and loves her art and her friends. I can't wait to see how Alex handles her evolving path in books No. 2-3.

Note: I was provided an e-book for review purposes. All opinions mine.

Title: A Drop of Magic
Series: The Magicsmith Book #1
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: L.R. Braden
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Blurb: The war isn’t over . . .

With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.

Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.

Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.
Thoughts: This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed reading it immensely. The vibe of it reminds me a bit of Diana Pharaoh Farris and her Diamond City Magic series. Alex lives in a world after a war between the Fae and humans, one in which Fae – and even the half-fae or ‘halfers’ – has to register with the government. Alex receives a visit from to Fae, then discovers one of her best friends has been murdered. After that, she keeps getting caught up in one crazy thing after another – and learns way more about herself than she ever expected!
This was a wild ride from start to finish – with a lot of suspense and who-done-it mystery. At times, my husband laughed at me because I had such an intent look on my face while reading it (which has been deemed my Sherlock Holmes face…LOL) But honestly, the story was so interesting and engaging that I was quickly wrapped up in it and just had to see how it ends. The world is very complex, with numerous events going on that kept you on the edge of your seat. I devoured the book in a couple of hours – it was just that great!
Can’t wait to see where the second book takes us! Courting Darkness is due to be released on August 30, 2019.
Rating: A

An entertaining and engrossing book, with an interesting world building and a cast of fleshed out characteres.
I look forward to reading the next in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A Drop of Magic is a new urban fantasy series by L.R. Braden. And, I will be delighted to add it to my must-read series list.

Alex discovers that one of her friends is murdered and their last act was calling Alex, leaving her racked with guilt for not answering his call. The mystery behind the murder sends Alex into detective mode, uncovering secrets about herself and her friends.

A Drop of Magic has lots of unexpected twist turns, a bunch of side of really fascinating secondary characters and side plots and great, original world building. Thumbs up for another debut suspense-filled fantasy. This is my first read from L.R. Braden but it won't be my last.

I received this ARC copy of A Drop of Magic BelleBooks, Inc. - Bell Bridge Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Drop of Magic is set for publication July 31, 2019.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: L.R. Braden
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
ISBN-10: 1611949416
ISBN-13: 978-1611949414
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Magic-Mag...
Barnes & Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dr...
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I really liked this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. Urban fantasy can be difficult to make in impact in but this one had a great plot line, female becoming aware of her powers and lots who want to take advantage of her. Lots of ulterior motives. Good fight scenes.

Alex loses a dear friend unveiling one secret after another. What an evocative, and at times chilling, tale featuring Fae, shifters and fanatics. I could not put it down until I was finished. I have to say the cat was a surprise at the end. Truly an unique story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Left me wanting more! Entertaining and a fun Sunday afternoon read! The first in a new series and now I am going to be waiting for the next The story keep me interested and the characters were entertaining.

I received an advanced reader's copy of A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith, Book 1) by L.R. Braden from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first novel that I had read by L.R. Braden so I really had no expectations, but after reading, she is an author I would look for in the future for other novels.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and I found it to be well written. The world building of an earth with Fae and humans was intricate, but understandable. After the not-always-smooth pacing of the first maybe fifth or quarter of the book, the murder mystery plot (with a splash of romance) moved along steadily and the intrigue kept me engrossed from start to finish.

Our female protagonist, artist Alex Blackwood, has her life shattered with the murder of a friend and finding out that she is not what she thought. I liked how Alex was written because even though her life and individual worldview take a HUGE hit and her crazy ball of emotions is evident (pain, confusion, hurt, anger, etc.), she still does her best to find the murderer of her friend and regain her feet. She's a flawed character who makes mistakes that the reader wants to groan at, but is very appealing and realistic. You just root for her to succeed and be happy!

I'll definitely look for book 2 when it is released to see Alex's further adventures.

This book reminded me a bit of the Mercy Thompson series. The similarities being the human girl without any major powers trying to solve a mystery involving the supernatural community, of which humans know a bit about, but nowhere near the entire truth. This book focuses more on fae than on werewolves tho, and I don't think there's gong to be a werewolf boyfriend.

The mystery of the supernatural world and the characters hiding their race was a bit of a lure. Each secret was slowly revealed, like peeling off layers of an onion. And not all secrets are uncovered. There are still plenty left for the next book.

It was a good read. Like Mercy Thompson, a lot of the appeal was in the characters' relationships and the politics and nuances of the supernatural beings. I'd want to read the next book, if only to get answers to many questions that weren't fully resolved in this first book.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alex is an independent woman who has a small group of friends. When one is murdered, she is devastated and tries to find out who would do this to her friend. The fae war has left the world with prejudice and fear. There’s a lot about this world that Alex doesn’t know and will need to learn. Fortunately, she has a support system that goes further than she initially thought. I enjoyed meeting Alex and her friends. I’m intrigued to read the next book and hope it is soon. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.