Magic and Loss by Nancy Collins (review)

                                       

Magic and Loss by Nancy A. Collins is part of the fun and entertaining ‘Golgotham’ series and continues the saga of Tate Eresby, a human with magical talents and Hexe, the heir to the Kymeran throne. They have settled into a routine and are content until their lives are disrupted by the return of the evil Boss Marz who is determined to get revenge upon them and the rest of the inhabitants of Golgotham. Once again, past differences must be put aside and all citizens must work together or risk seeing their ways of life completely destroyed. Unfortunately, there are major changes in Hexe and the impact on his family threatens to destroy all that he has worked for and desires, even as his relatives seem to be increasing unexpectedly and Hexe will have to decide whether Left Hand or Right Hand magic offers the best choice for him.



This exciting urban fantasy story continues to build on the intriguing and imaginative elements that have been introduced through the past two entertaining novels, Right Hand Magic and Left Hand Magic. I love the fact that we aren’t stagnant in the society but instead continue to build on the fantastical elements that have already been introduced. Tate is continuing to grow, not only by acting as an apprentice but as she learns to analyze her relationships and what she will and will not accept in the way she is treated. I was a little surprised at some of the revelations about various family members and disappointed at the reaction to Boss Marz’s bullying but I enjoyed watching the changes in dynamics as yet another milestone is reached in Tate and Hex’s relationship. It is always refreshing to view society through the sometimes skewed lens of Golgotham and discover that bigotry and prejudice can always rear its ugly head but if enough people band together and oppose it, life can only be improved. Another deliciously entertaining visit to a city that has the kinds of neighbors you can only dream about but who might be quite fun to get to know, as long as you don’t inadvertently cross the forbidden line. And if you have a little artistic talent of your own...who knows what will happen?

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

My previous ponderings on this series is at this link.

                                                 

Left Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins

                                   
 

Left Hand Magic is Nancy A. Collins' sequel to Right Hand Magic, both of which are novels about Golgotham, a neighborhood outside of Manhattan.  Funny thing about neighborhoods, one can be a 'native' or an upstart and it varies by region how long it takes to change from being somebody new on the block (months, years, decades) to one of the regulars.  This neighborhood is a little more exclusive than most...exclusive in the sense of not generally including those who are human!  The inhabitants who look human are usually Kymeran, have an extra finger and are able to perform magic whereas the other inhabitants definitely are non-humans (centaurs, leprechauns, mermaids, satyrs, etc.).  Funny how easy it is to depict the rapidity with which anyone can divide into an "us vs. them" mentality and frightening possibility of violence inherent in most conflicts of this nature. 
There are a lot of creative meldings of human and magic in these stories, and in my opinion there has been an improvement between the first and second novels but there are still elements which are underdeveloped.  I am glad that the heroine has started to show some backbone, enjoyed seeing improvement in some of the relationships but think that several things could be expounded upon...e.g. the dragon in the bedroom, Hexe's familiar, etc.  An entertaining series that will undoubtedly continue to grow.  My Night Owl reviews for Left Hand Magic is at this link and Right Hand Magic is at this link.  Enjoy!