Comments on: REVIEW: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

By: JD

JD — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:48:31 +0000

I have read the two released “Magic” books by Devon Monk and have liked them. I have not read a substantial amount of UF stories. I picked up “Magic” as a change of pace from the Anita Blakes stores when Anita started becoming more nympho. I am ordering Devon’s third installment.

I found the magic consequences new. Have read many fantasy books over the years and can’t recall magic taking a toll on the user.
Characterization is fair. Have read better and worse. Devon’s writing, first person Allie, does a lot of repeating but I kind of figured that is the way a lot of us think and so the stories kind of added a
familiarization, at least in my way of thinking.

The romance part, guess I don’t know what to say. Have not been a reader of romance novels and don’t like a lot of graphic sexual activity in what I read. I thought Devon sparked an interest, did a tease but maybe didn’t satisfy many readers with the culmination of her romantic/sexual scenes but again, I found it OK. The second book had virtually no sexual activity.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:43:55 +0000

I thought it was a good book. But I didn’t think the end sumed it up. Is there a sequel?

By: Jackie Kessler

Jackie Kessler — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:16:37 +0000

I’ve heard terrific things about this book. It’s on my TBR pile.

By: KMont

KMont — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:17:04 +0000

The tattoos on the cover are misleading. All I’ll say is I have no idea why the cover artist chose to portray Allie with tons of leafy tatts. It’s silly, especially in light of how Allie gets some strange and significant marks on her bod.

I’d say more, but it’d venture into spoiler territory.

I think it’s true that she is somewhat of a standard UF protagonist, but I did find the author’s voice different enough and pleasant enough. Looking forward to the next.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:35:33 +0000

@Kim: I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you are a big fan of UF, then I think you’d enjoy this. If you are looking for something with a stronger romance component, I felt this kind of glossed over what readers enjoy about romance.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:37:06 +0000

Thanks Jane! That might push me over to reading it but I’m still afraid. :D I’m buying books but I’ve been trying to be more selective since my budget can’t handle buying books I don’t finish.

And thanks karmelrio for the link to Smart Bitches. Very illuminating – not just the tattoos but to see so many with the same pose.

Love this site! Thanks!

By: loonigrrl

loonigrrl — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:33:56 +0000

I did have trouble getting through the middle of it, and the romance just didn’t work for the most part, but . . . I’m really curious what she’ll write next.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:57:54 +0000

the tattoos do have meaning in the story. It is kind of a spoiler.

By: ME

ME — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:30:02 +0000

LOL…seems so simple! thanks for the info!

By: Maura

Maura — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:32:10 +0000

DNF = Did Not Finish.