Review: Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin

Last word first: Sassy and fun, a great read! (4/5)

Description: Raine Benares is a seeker of lost items. She's got some magical talent, but nothing too spectacular. And she likes it that way. Unfortunately, Raine's life is about to take a turn toward being WAY more exciting. When a friend steals a magical artifact, Raine is just trying to protect him when she puts the amulet around her own neck. But now it won't come off, her magical powers are increasing, and Raine has just become Mermeia's most desired woman.... in a very bad way.

My thoughts: Combining elements of two of my favorite genres (fantasy and mystery) with a healthy sprinkling of my favorite seasoning (humor!) this book was a great fit for me. Magic Lost is a fun and fast paced read that had me hooked from page one.

Raine is a very likeable heroine. She's clever, capable, and funny, but in WAY over her head. Her wisecracks and panic attacks had me laughing at every turn. Of course, Raine couldn't get by without a little help from her friends. Her cousin Phelan, little brother Piaras, and guardian Garadin (say that 10 times fast) help the story keep moving along. And Raine seems to know more than her share of attractive, manly, rescuing types. Lucky girl.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was that there were a couple of scenes that felt like they could have been chopped down just a little. And a couple more where characters would suddenly be in a scene that hadn't been there before. But these minor annoyances were pretty easy to ignore, and well worth tolerating.

Magic Lost, Trouble Found is an exciting start to what promises to be a great series. Fans of the light, fun, fantasy read (think David Eddings' Belgariad meets Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum) will find lots to love about this book.

Content warning: Some violence and sexual innuendo. As far as I recall, all questionable material is implied and non-graphic.

Who put this book on my radar? It was Jo, over at the fantasy book review blog Ink and Paper. She's a HUGE fan of the series, and convinced me to give it a shot as well. You know what else is awesome? Jo won a contest to name Book 5 of this series! You can read Jo's review here: Magic Lost.

Lisa Shearin in her own words: Contrary to popular belief, most authors do have day jobs just like everyone else. I'm happily ensconced at an advertising agency as an editor/proofreader. In my previous corporate life I've been a magazine editor, advertising copywriter, and writer of corporate marketing materials of every description. Writing's what I love, so writing's what I do. And I consider myself blessed beyond belief that I get to do what I love and get paid to do it. (An excerpt from the bio on her website)