Ratings3
Average rating3.3
In this fast-paced, international thriller, chaos erupts after a shadowy figure with ties to an elite and ancient society posts incantations on the dark web that allow people to perform real magic. When an enigmatic message uploaded to the dark web turns out to contain an ancient secret giving regular people the power to do impossible things, like levitate cars or make themselves invisible, American government officials panic. They know the demo videos on YouTube and instructions for incantations could turn from fantastical amusement to dangerous weapon at the drop of the hat, and they scramble to keep the information out of the wrong hands. They tap Ben Zolstra, an ex-CIA field operative whose history with the Agency is conflicted at best, to lead the team that’s racing to contain the dangerous knowledge—and track down the mysterious figure behind the leak who threatens that even more dangerous spells will be released one by one until the world as we know it no longer exists. This sweeping, globe-spanning thriller explores the dark consequences of a question mankind has been asking for centuries: What if magic were real?
Reviews with the most likes.
This book starts off with a bang and from there leaves you with so many questions. You are taken on this fantastic journey throughout the book where you meet all these different characters who all connect to the story. I really enjoyed how fast-paced and action-packed this book was. I personally do not read a lot of thriller books, but I definitely enjoyed this one.
Magic is definitely a part of this book, however, it is inserted in a unique way where it is contemporary America where magic is being released to the public. I really liked how different characters responded to the knowledge of magic. It felt very real to me in terms of how people would react if that happened in real life.
Since this is a thriller/action novel, the writing was not the best and very much telling instead of showing. So definitely do not go into this story expecting amazing writing or fleshed-out characters. I read this book for the story and the plot and I feel like if you are expecting something beyond that you will be disappointed. I definitely look forward to other books that Zach Fehst writes. He does a great job of telling a unique story and keeping me entertained while doing it.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book!
This one was really hard for me to rate. I read fantasy, and this is out of my wheel house. Just because it has magic in the name, and some spells are used, I still would not classify this as fantasy. In my opinion, it is more of a thriller. That being said, this book was not for me. I am rating it 3 stars because I don't think the writing is bad, it just isn't my cup of tea.
I would recommend it to people that read thrillers.
I received an ARC from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.