So sad I'm almost all caught up on the series now and there's only one more waiting for me. (I thought I was completely caught up, but was pleased to see #9!) 5 stars again, Devon Monk. Love these characters. ( )

This is the eighth book in the Allie Beckstrom series. It was a good installment in the series and was an enjoyable read. All of these books encompass one large story, so make sure to start with book one. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, this is a fun and creative series to read.

Magic has been poisoned and Allie and crew are trying to get samples from all of the Wells to try to determine what is wrong. The poisoned magic is still making Allie sicker than anyone else and no one knows why. Just when the crew thinks they have a chance at fixing magic, the Authority gets in the way and makes things even more difficult.

This series is hard to review because this is just one long continuous story. This book adds to the story and does move some elements forward, not a ton is resolved here though.

I love the magic system in these books, how you have to pay a cost to use your magic. Allie doesn’t use magic much in this book because it makes her extremely ill to do so.

Most of the book is spent trying to get samples from the Wells of magic and trying to figure out how to purify it. We get to see a lot of Zayvion doing awesome magic in this book; he can seriously do some outstanding things...but of course he pays a high cost to do those things.

We also learn a lot more about Stone, the gargoyle, and how he was created and what he can do. A portion of the story is also dedicated to Davy and the crazy way they are dealing with his magic illness.

My personal favorite part of the story was watching Terric and Shane finally start to work together as Soul Complements. It was so nice to see some story progression there; the awesome magic those two wield when they work together is something to behold.

So, yeah, a lot of story progression but not much resolution. I really enjoy the characters and the writing is well done. The book was a fun and quick read. This isn’t my favorite Allie Beckstrom story but it was still entertaining. As I mentioned before you have to start with book 1 or you will be totally lost.

Overall a decent installment in this series. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy; especially for those who love creative and unique magic systems. Solid characters, a fast-paced plot, and a creative magic system make this a fun read. ( )

Two steps forward, One step back. Allie and her friends are in a race to find a cure for the poisoned magic that is killing people and with magic making Allie sick, she has to depend on her friends and more conventional means to keep herself safe from those who are hunting them.

I am still completely lost when it comes to Allie's father. One minute I felt like he is truly interested in helping Allie, and the next I'm convinced he has a massive ulterior motive. I'm also still really upset about Allie not having her personal interior magic still. I don't know why but it really bugs me. I love Allie and Zayvion even more as the books pile on. Shame and Terric continue to be my favorite two allies involved in Allies life and I love reading about their love hate relationship.

There is always a ton of action involved and story development added with each Allie book. Just when you think Allie will be able to catch a break the ending throws a massive curve ball in her plans and moves her back into battle mode. By the last page you know where the story is going next and I cant wait to read how it plays out. ( )