Magic at the Gate: An Allie Beckstrom Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

This book starts right up where the last one left off, with Allie, her father, and Stone traveling into death's realm to rescue Zayvion's soul. She succeeds, but at a terrible price, having to sacrifice the magic that belonged to her soul. As dangerous as things are for her in that realm, those dangers pale in comparison to what awaits her when she returns. Some of the most powerful veiled have gotten a hold of the disks that were charged with the wild magic. These disks give them corporeal bodies and make them almost indestructible since they can draw on magic without any price at all. Allie might just have to do something she vowed never to do to make it out of this mess alive, trust her father.

This book seemed like it was the calm before the storm, without really being calm. There was plenty of danger and action, but with the war really starting to brew, I fear they have only scraped the edge of what is in store. Not only do the remaining members of the Authority have to deal with the ones who rebelled, but also a new unknown threat that seems to have followed Allie out of the gate. They seem to be getting it from all sides, and it will be a miracle if the small band is able to hold things together. I think they might just have to rethink their idea of closing everyone outside of their circle. They will need all the help they can get, and there are several magic users that could really be useful if the members of the Authority only allow them to help. I guess only time will tell if their stubbornness holds, or they give in and do the right thing.

I really missed the interaction between Zayvion and Allie in this book. I understand the man was in a coma for most of it, but I just wish there could have been a little more time spent together. Their relationship is one of my favorite things about the series, and it made this book seem to be a little lacking compared to the rest. That being said however, I did enjoy the increased time with her friends Shame and Terric. I'm not sure the two will ever be able to be completely at peace with each other. However, with that being said, they did make major strides at being able to at least work together without killing the other person. Who knows, maybe someday a miracle will happen and Shame will pull his head out of his butt, anything is possible.

Overall, this felt like a transition book, but still had plenty of action to keep me entertained. Some questions were answered about her father and his "use" for her. His continued manipulation and use of her without her permission makes him really hard to trust, especially since he keeps his true motives always hidden from her. I just hope that somehow his ultimate plan ends up being for the good of the world and Allie. Hey, I can dream right? All in all, I enjoyed the book, and I look forward to the next one, especially if there is more quality time between Allie and Zayvion. I have a feeling things are headed to crazy town and the next book should be pretty jammed packed.

Originally posted at Wicked Lil Pixie Reviews.
Disclaimer: This review assumes you have read the first 4 books of the Allie Beckstrom series and does not offer spoilers provided you are up to speed with the series to this point.

Magic at the Gate is the 5th book in Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom Urban Fantasy series. It picks up right where the 4th book Magic in the Shadows left off with one heck of a cliffhanger ending. Allie, Stone the gargoyle, and Allie's father Daniel head through the gate and in to death's realm to find Zayvion's soul. In order to save his soul and bring him back from death's realm, Allie must strike a deal with someone she in no way trusts. Now that the Authority (ancient magical police) has been been effectively disbanded, Allie along with the other remaining members, must deal with those who have violently rebelled.

The beginning of Magic at the Gate was a little slow-paced compared to the previous books in the series, especially after such a dramatic cliffhanger ending in the fourth book. With that being said, the seemingly slower pace did not detract from the overall experience. There was the same mesmerizing world building I've come to expect of the series, and the character growth of the secondary characters was fantastic. Can I just tell you how much I looove Shame?! He is book boyfriend material, people, and you get lots of him in this one. I truly felt like Shame stole every scene he was in. And Stone the gargoyle is undeniably endearing. The two of them provide some great comedic relief in an otherwise dark and bleak storyline. At this point in the series we are really seeing a different Allie than from the start of the series, she has grown vastly as a character and her strength and humor are addictive. Sadly, with Zayvion's absence through a large part of the book, the missing connection between Allie and Zayvion was definitely felt. This book kept me on my seat with anticipation and one thing became quite clear... there are definitely bigger battles and harder times coming!

I do not recommended reading this book as a stand-alone novel. There are major events that happen in the first four books that are vital to the storyline in Magic at the Gate. That being said, this is a fantastic series and definitely has my excited recommendation to Urban Fantasy fans. There are a lot of really well thought out magical elements that make up the dark and gritty worlds Ms Monk creates. The series is seriously addictive, and I guarantee you once you pick it up, you'll storm through all of the books... just like I did! Enjoy!

The previous books in this series are:

Magic to the Bone
Magic in the Blood
Magic in the Shadows
Magic on the Storm

Wow! Just Wow! I have been a rabid fan of Devon Monk ever since I picked up her very first Allie Beckstrom novel back in 2009. It was great. Each sequel has been just as fun to read. This is the fifth Allie Beckstrom novel, and there is just as much to enjoy as in the first four.

It starts off right from the cliffhanger ending that Magic In The Storm ended with - in fact if I remember right, with every single cliffhanger ending Ms Monk has teased us with, she has jumped right into with the next book. And it's been pretty fun that most of the novels have only a 6 month wait. I don't know how she does it - other than superiour writing skills.

Magic in the Storm ended with Allie walking into Death with her father and Stone (her gargoyle) to get Zayvion's soul back. This is just the beginning. She goes into Death, and comes back out - with another change in her appearance. The Veiled are still attacking the Authority, her dad seems to have a second agenda - and what's left of the Authority have a hell of a fight on their hands.

There's not much else to say, with out spoiling the plots of the novel. But once again, we're treated to superior dialogue, lots of action, a few close calls, and we learn just a little bit more about some of the characters and their pasts.

Stone is still in the picture, as is Shame, Terric, Stotts, Davy and the other hounds (although we don't see much of them at first). The other characters have done their fair share of suffering with the fighting - but no body is giving up.

This has a great ending also. I think this might be one of the first books that I don't see a cliffhanger ending to - but there's more coming and I'm looking forward to it. Devon Monk has furthered the plot, and and I'm waiting to see what comes next - because I know it's going to be good.

For a complete list of the series visit Devon Monk's website - there are excerpts (if you haven't yet tried this series, get a little taste) available there for all the novels.

This is a wonderful series, very satisfying reads.

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