Book Review: Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

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Cold Burn of Magic
Black Blade #1
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Young Adult
Release Date: April 28th 2015
Review Source: Kensington –Teen | Netgalley

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

Cold Burn of Magic made me fangirl. I loved it. Seriously guys, it's up there with my favourite first books in a series. Urban Fantasy is my go-to genre and I've finally found a enjoyable YA urban fantasy, because in my opinion they don't come around often. Here I was introduced to a world I fast learned to love, characters I admired and a plot I could really get in to.

Its one of those books where I want to gush to people and be like "oh, wasn't this part amazing?" I genuinely enjoyed it that much. And I pretty much devoured this novel in one sitting. No breaks, no distractions, just solid reading, and I didn't even realise how much time had passed until the end. If you're into urban fantasy type books with strong female characters then don't hesitate to add this book to your list. It's a book worth reading.

I don't know what it is, but strong, independent female characters just tick all the boxes for me. Lila was a character I loved to love and enjoyed her antics throughout the book. The action was exciting and mysterious, the characters likable and the world was one I liked following. The new, fresh feeling of this series was exciting and Cold Burn of Magic was only the beginning of this journey. And I can't wait to follow the story in book 2, Dark Heart of Magic.

It's funny, though, because I enjoyed this book so much, so you'd think I'd have loads to say, but I can't find anything else to add. I just loved it. Simple. And if Urban Fantasy is your thing, then I suggest you read it too!