Book Review: "Well of Magic" by B.R. Kingsolver

 

I never expected to see a mage battle on national TV.

When the ley lines—the orderly rivers of magical energy that circle the globe—went wild, chaos ensued.

Magic hid in the shadows for hundreds of years, but then a secret order took control of one of the world's largest religions. Their goal is to rule the world, and the first step is to control the ley lines and magic users.

I didn’t escape the Illuminati just to become a slave to the Knights Magica. If they want me, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. - from Goodreads.com

May contain spoilers. This is the fourth book in the Rosie O'Grady paranormal bar and grill series.

First off, having pretty much enjoyed the first three books in this series, where it seemed the third book finished up the ongoing story line, to find there is another book, I was happy. Before I even read the basic description I was thinking about where the author was going to go, what new/existing situation would occur, and maybe there would be more background on everyone. I was a tad bit disappointed.

Erin and friends have seemingly ended the majority of remaining Hunters, as well as seemingly, leaders of the Illuminati. This book starts off with her buying a car (she never had one before) and basically starting a relationship with the half-fae she buys it from. Of course the car is magically modified/engineered, though there is not much about in what ways. Of course when a large power group is decimated, another steps in to take its place, and here is where the Knights Magica enter the world.

The KM side with the Universalist Church around the world, and began knocking off major politicians and papal leaders to gain control. They have the means of disrupting ley lines, which makes anyone magical feel sick and dizzy for extended amounts of time. They have control of an item that created the ley lines called the Heart of the World, and with small pieces of it, or made from it, carried on their persons, they are excepted from the disorientation of the ley line disturbances, allowing them to attack mages, etc, while they are incapacitated.

Another Hunter relocates to Westport looking for Erin, saying he wanted to leave the Illuminati, becomes an ally. The magical community unites under the new council, and fights back against the KM. There are several battles in Westport, as well as around the world from other councils. At one point Erin and the dhampir Michaela are kidnapped by the KM, helpd and tortured for around a month, before the dhampir escapes, and mounts a rescue party for Erin that was successful. Some Fae are helping the group in Westport (including her new beau) and at the end of the book, it is decided they must find and retrieve the Heart to keep it from not only those in the world, but the Unseelie Fae, who have intentions to basically enslave the human race.

Whew. Instead of being a book four, it could be the start of a new trilogy, continuing from the first one. New enemy, no new background information, some MC building as she learns to be assertive and how to start having a relationship. A bad experience to toughen her resolve and train harder to face the new threat. Friends always there backing her up, and the MC always impressing everyone new she meets with her skills and insight from her Illuminati training. It's starting to get a bit repetitive, but I still want to see where the story goes.

I wasn't as impressed with this new threat to the MC, and the typical solution is her in the forefront using her skills to defeat the biggest, baddest bad guy, as well as many others in the smaller skirmishes. I did forget to mention MC does find out she is supposedly part Fae, and explains more about her having a relationship with a half-Fae. I don't know. I just didn't feel there was more development of characters and world background. Hoping book five will be better, but not holding my breath.