Magic on the Hunt: An Allie Beckstrom Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

I have seen reviews saying that this is a fine edition to the series, but my problem was that it seemed exactly the same as all the other books. It occurred to me that the plot really doesn't seem to have advanced, and that every volume rehashes the same events (or remarkably similar) with the same characters. I think that Monk's world and concepts for magic are brilliant, but simply having a rich and well-thought-out world isn't enough. The characters in that world need to grow and evolve, and I just don't see that happening here. I didn't feel that "Magic on the hunt" offered anything new, and actually made me realize that I hadn't really seen anything new in a while. As a result, this will be the last Allie Beckstrom novel that I'm planning on reading. I'm not giving up on Devon Monk entirely and am looking forward to the new series, but this one seems to have run its course while managing to get nowhere.

Allie's doing a much better job this time around of being a reasonable and more likable character; she's continued growing out of some of her overblown trust issues and stubbornness. The Hounds are also starting to get drawn into more of the Authority's business, although I hope to see that continue more in the next installment in the series.

We definitely learn a lot more in this book, including who's ultimately been behind the crazy things going on in Portland--and it clears a lot of things up. It also ups the stakes and shows that things are only getting more dangerous in Allie's world.

Allie's father steadily becomes a more complex and involved character, which I find absolutely fascinating. I'm sure he has plenty more plans and motives yet to be revealed, yet we find out a very satisfying chunk of what he's been up to.

Best of all, Devon Monk has one hell of an ability to depict magical combat which, let's face it, is hard to do well even in movies (much less books), in such a way that it's tense, edge-of-your-seat action. I felt totally engrossed in this installment, without the frustration of the middle books of the series.

On a personal note, I hate bureaucratic oversight plots (where someone comes from outside and upsets the apple cart and makes everyone prove that they can do their jobs). I find it feels a bit too depressingly real-life. If you're fine with those, awesome, and you'll love this installment even more than I did.

Despite my frustrations with the middle of the series, this is why I kept up with it--because the concepts and world-building are fabulous, many of the characters are consistently delightful, the action is tense and heart-pounding, and yes, the frustrations have been clearing up!

This is the sixth book in the Allie Beckstrom series by Monk. There are at least nine books planned in this series. This was a very enjoyable book in the series, it picks up pretty much right where the last book left off.

Allie and Zayvion are recovering from all of the craziness in Book 5, Magic at the Gate (Allie Beckstrom, Book 5). Things are pretty much at an all out low for the series; the Authority is splintered, their leader Sedra captured by Jingo Jingo. Gates are opening up everywhere completely out of control. Right at the beginning of the book Dane shows up and tries to kill Allie and Zayvion; meaning that there is yet another member of the Authority that has gone rogue. Now they need to hunt down Dane, figure out what the shadow Leander is up to and do it all before the powers that be Close the Authority in the city for their incompetence.

I would definitely recommend reading previous books before reading this one, there is a lot going on in this series at this point. You can tell though that the main story arc dealing with Leander and Isabella is drawing to a climax in this book.

It was wonderful that Allie and Zay get at least a little down time. I also loved the fact that Zay played such a prominent part in this book. We also spend lots of time with Shamus and his Soul Companion, they are some of my favorite characters so I enjoyed that. Allie's dad continues to partially possess her and he always makes stuff interesting.

The plot whips forward at a fast pace. There are a lot of things revealed and revelations made in this book that start to draw a lot of little things from previous books together. This book is definitely a must read for fans of the series. I also enjoyed how the power structure outside of the city is explained to the reader; we are finally gaining a better understanding of the world as a whole rather than being stuck with just a city-wide understanding.

The book ends well and you can kind of predict what the next book will be about. This is a series that I never find myself absolutely in love with, but I always enjoy reading. It is a solid urban fantasy that is always engaging, but never really blows me away with its creativity.

Overall an excellent addition to this series. Allie still isn't my favorite character, but I am finding myself liking her a bit more and I really enjoy the characters surrounding her. This book was pretty much solid urban fantasy; there is a touch of romance here but not a lot. Lots of great action scenes, lots of revelations, and a fast moving plot too. Fans of this series should be pleased. I am not sure when book 7 is due out, I do know that Monk is starting a new series of which the first book Dead Iron: The Age of Steam (Cedar Hunt), will be out later this year.

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