Review: Mind Magic

Reviewed by Jen
 

Simon is a mage-in-training who has been told his entire life that the different supernatural species should never mix.  But when his mind hears the cries of kidnapped werewolf cubs, he simply can't ignore them.  Simon tracks down the children and saves them from a demon feeding on their energies.  It's not until he returns the cubs to their alpha, however, that things really start to get interesting.

Gray is wary of Simon when he first arrives at the keep, but his son is so enamored of his rescuer that he knows he must give him a chance. There's also an undeniable sexual attraction he must contend with.  Simon is intent on going back to his life and his mage apprenticeship, but he has formed a connection with Gray's son.  And when the boy suffers lingering effects from his attack, it's Simon he calls to again for help.

Simon's selflessness and dedication to the children turns him into a friend of the pack.  He ends up working with the wolves to find the demon who kidnapped the kids. In the meantime, he explores his feelings for Gray and tries to figure out where his loyalties lie among the supernatural species.

I liked the beginning of the book and thought it was an interesting premise. Simon's a likeable guy and the sexual tension with Gray was pretty hot. But then it went from zero to 100 in about five seconds. That is to say, Gray and Simon went from flirty looks to naked on the floor before my eyes could even focus.  A little more build would have been nice, and I thought it was crazy how fast Gray threw out the "mate" card.  The pacing of the relationship was uneven and it detracted from my connection to the characters.

The villain was easy to spot from the first time we met him, which was disappointing.  What made it even worse, was that once his identity was revealed, we were left with huge hanging threads.  I needed a better explanation on how and why he did what he did. Not only that, but what was the deal with the Mage Council?  What was the villain's connection to the demon?  Was Simon always a target?  I could go on.  Basically, I felt like the conclusion was weak and in great need of more development.

There were some things I liked. The sex was hot.  The world-building was interesting. And the writing was conversational and engaging.  But overall, the book didn't live up to its promise for me.

Rating: C-

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

  Mind Magic

by Poppy Dennison

Release Date: April 23, 2012

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press