Best Forbidden Magic Books

Cold Days

The Dresden Files • Book 14

by Jim Butcher

Resurrected as the Winter Knight, Harry Dresden receives his first assignment from Queen Mab: assassinate her own immortal daughter, Maeve, before she destroys the supernatural balance.

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Resurrected as the Winter Knight, Harry Dresden receives his first assignment from Queen Mab: assassinate her own immortal daughter, Maeve, before she destroys the supernatural balance.

Quicksilver

The Fae & Alchemy Series • Book 1

by Callie Hart

Water thief Saeris survives in an unforgiving desert until she breaks an ancient seal and unleashes magical chaos on her world. Hart builds a richly imagined fantasy world where water is currency and magic comes with deadly consequences.

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Water thief Saeris survives in an unforgiving desert until she breaks an ancient seal and unleashes magical chaos on her world. Hart builds a richly imagined fantasy world where water is currency and magic comes with deadly consequences.

The Emperor's Soul

Elantris • Book 2

by Brandon Sanderson

Condemned Forger Shai gets one chance at freedom: magically reconstruct the soul of a comatose emperor in just 100 days. Sanderson's Hugo-winning novella explores identity and artistry through intricate magic systems and political intrigue.

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Condemned Forger Shai gets one chance at freedom: magically reconstruct the soul of a comatose emperor in just 100 days. Sanderson's Hugo-winning novella explores identity and artistry through intricate magic systems and political intrigue.

Beyond the Veil

The Grey Wolves • Book 5

by Quinn Loftis

Defeating the Serbian Alpha was just the beginning—now Desdemona the witch has escaped to a lightless realm, planning her revenge on the Romanian pack. The Grey Wolves series shifts into darker territory with higher supernatural stakes.

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Defeating the Serbian Alpha was just the beginning—now Desdemona the witch has escaped to a lightless realm, planning her revenge on the Romanian pack. The Grey Wolves series shifts into darker territory with higher supernatural stakes.

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Castle • Book 1

by Diana Wynne Jones

A witch's curse ages Sophie into an old woman, freeing her from eldest daughter expectations to become housekeeper for the dramatic wizard Howl. Jones crafts a fantasy where inner strength matters more than outer beauty.

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A witch's curse ages Sophie into an old woman, freeing her from eldest daughter expectations to become housekeeper for the dramatic wizard Howl. Jones crafts a fantasy where inner strength matters more than outer beauty.

One Dark Window

The Shepherd King • Book 1

by Rachel Gillig

Elspeth shares her mind with an ancient spirit called the Nightmare, using his protection to survive in a mist-locked kingdom where magic is drawn from dangerous, sentient cards.

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Elspeth shares her mind with an ancient spirit called the Nightmare, using his protection to survive in a mist-locked kingdom where magic is drawn from dangerous, sentient cards.

Circe

by Madeline Miller

Transforming a peripheral figure from Greek mythology, Miller gives voice to Circe's millennia-long journey from scorned daughter to powerful witch finding her own agency.

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Transforming a peripheral figure from Greek mythology, Miller gives voice to Circe's millennia-long journey from scorned daughter to powerful witch finding her own agency.

Warbreaker

The Cosmere • Book 5

by Brandon Sanderson

Princess Vivenna must marry the God King to prevent war, while her sister Siri gets sent instead to a pantheon of reluctant gods powered by human breath and color. Sanderson explores themes of divine responsibility and sacrifice through his most unique magic system.

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Princess Vivenna must marry the God King to prevent war, while her sister Siri gets sent instead to a pantheon of reluctant gods powered by human breath and color. Sanderson explores themes of divine responsibility and sacrifice through his most unique magic system.

Kushiel's Avatar

Phèdre's Trilogy • Book 3

by Jacqueline Carey

Phèdre ventures into unexplored lands to rescue Imriel from slavery and break the curse binding him to a fallen angel. Carey concludes her trilogy with exotic adventure and spiritual redemption.

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Phèdre ventures into unexplored lands to rescue Imriel from slavery and break the curse binding him to a fallen angel. Carey concludes her trilogy with exotic adventure and spiritual redemption.

Daughter of the Forest

Sevenwaters • Book 1

by Juliet Marillier

To save her brothers from a curse that turned them into swans, Sorcha must remain silent while weaving nettle shirts that burn her hands. Marillier reimagines Celtic fairy tales with unflinching attention to sacrifice and survival.

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To save her brothers from a curse that turned them into swans, Sorcha must remain silent while weaving nettle shirts that burn her hands. Marillier reimagines Celtic fairy tales with unflinching attention to sacrifice and survival.

Assassin's Apprentice

Farseer Trilogy • Book 1

by Robin Hobb

Bastard prince Fitz must master the assassin's arts while concealing his Wit magic—the forbidden ability to bond with animals that could cost him his life.

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Bastard prince Fitz must master the assassin's arts while concealing his Wit magic—the forbidden ability to bond with animals that could cost him his life.

Hunger

Unbound • Book 3

by Nicoli Gonnella

Felix survives the Void only to face the Inquisition's anti-magic crusade in Haarwatch, a deadly problem since the Primordial Maw still lives within his soul. Gonnella creates urban fantasy tension as Felix must hide his monstrous passenger while finding allies.

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Felix survives the Void only to face the Inquisition's anti-magic crusade in Haarwatch, a deadly problem since the Primordial Maw still lives within his soul. Gonnella creates urban fantasy tension as Felix must hide his monstrous passenger while finding allies.

The Iron Flower

The Black Witch Chronicles • Book 2

by Laurie Forest

Elloren's small acts of rebellion escalate into full resistance against a theocratic regime bent on magical genocide. Forest builds a fantasy world where prejudice and power create systems of oppression eerily familiar to our own.

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Elloren's small acts of rebellion escalate into full resistance against a theocratic regime bent on magical genocide. Forest builds a fantasy world where prejudice and power create systems of oppression eerily familiar to our own.

The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Roots of Chaos • Book 1

by Samantha Shannon

Ancient dragons stir as Queen Sabran struggles to conceive the heir needed to protect her realm from destruction. Shannon weaves Eastern and Western dragon mythology into an epic standalone fantasy exploring duty, sacrifice, and the cost of power.

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Ancient dragons stir as Queen Sabran struggles to conceive the heir needed to protect her realm from destruction. Shannon weaves Eastern and Western dragon mythology into an epic standalone fantasy exploring duty, sacrifice, and the cost of power.

Babel

by R. F. Kuang

What if translation magic powered the British Empire, and Robin Swift discovered his scholarly paradise was built on his homeland's suffering? Kuang weaves linguistics into revolutionary fantasy with devastating precision.

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What if translation magic powered the British Empire, and Robin Swift discovered his scholarly paradise was built on his homeland's suffering? Kuang weaves linguistics into revolutionary fantasy with devastating precision.

Anathema

The Eating Woods • Book 1

by Keri Lake

Lake creates a visceral gothic fantasy where banishment to the cursed Eating Woods becomes a journey of transformation, blending body horror with dark magic in a world where sin literally consumes.

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Lake creates a visceral gothic fantasy where banishment to the cursed Eating Woods becomes a journey of transformation, blending body horror with dark magic in a world where sin literally consumes.

Celestial Magic

Thorne Witches • Book 11

by T.M. Cromer

Preston Thorne gets yanked back to the earthly plane just as he's about to win over dream woman Selene, all because evil magic is invading the Otherworld.

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Preston Thorne gets yanked back to the earthly plane just as he's about to win over dream woman Selene, all because evil magic is invading the Otherworld.

Spinning Silver

The Mortal Instruments

by Naomi Novik

Miryem's boast about turning silver to gold attracts the dangerous Staryk king in Novik's intricate fairy tale of three women wielding unexpected power.

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Miryem's boast about turning silver to gold attracts the dangerous Staryk king in Novik's intricate fairy tale of three women wielding unexpected power.

Sabriel

Abhorsen/The Old Kingdom • Book 1

by Garth Nix

Boarding school student Sabriel inherits her father's role as Abhorsen — a necromancer who puts the dead to rest rather than raising them. Nix creates a richly detailed world where death has rules and the undead have agency.

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Boarding school student Sabriel inherits her father's role as Abhorsen — a necromancer who puts the dead to rest rather than raising them. Nix creates a richly detailed world where death has rules and the undead have agency.

The Mists of Avalon

Avalon • Book 1

by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Morgaine of Avalon watches her half-brother Arthur unite Britain while the old goddess religion gives way to Christianity. Bradley reclaims the Arthurian myth for its women, showing how spiritual and political power shifted in post-Roman Britain.

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Morgaine of Avalon watches her half-brother Arthur unite Britain while the old goddess religion gives way to Christianity. Bradley reclaims the Arthurian myth for its women, showing how spiritual and political power shifted in post-Roman Britain.

The Sword of Truth Books 1 to 4: 1. Wizard's First Rule, 2. Stone of Tears, 3. Blood of the Fold, 4. Temple of the Winds

Sword of Truth • Book 1

by Terry Goodkind

Four books chronicle Richard Cypher's evolution from woods guide to the Seeker of Truth, as he wields an ancient sword against tyrants, religious fanatics, and magical threats across parallel worlds.

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Four books chronicle Richard Cypher's evolution from woods guide to the Seeker of Truth, as he wields an ancient sword against tyrants, religious fanatics, and magical threats across parallel worlds.

Wizard's First Rule

Sword of Truth • Book 1

by Terry Goodkind

Woods guide Richard Cypher becomes the Seeker of Truth when the mysterious Kahlan reveals his true heritage and the urgent need to stop Darken Rahl from obtaining the three boxes of Orden.

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Woods guide Richard Cypher becomes the Seeker of Truth when the mysterious Kahlan reveals his true heritage and the urgent need to stop Darken Rahl from obtaining the three boxes of Orden.

The Silver Thief

The Cycle of Galand • Book 2

by Edward W. Robertson

Personal vengeance drives Dante from the Plagued Islands to confront Gladdic, a priest who commands both light and shadow magic. The revenge quest becomes a battle between competing magical philosophies.

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Personal vengeance drives Dante from the Plagued Islands to confront Gladdic, a priest who commands both light and shadow magic. The revenge quest becomes a battle between competing magical philosophies.

The Prisoner of Limnos

Penric and Desdemona (Publication order) • Book 6

by Lois McMaster Bujold

Temple sorcerer Penric and widow Nikys must rescue her mother from enemies at the Cedonian imperial court who have confined her to a dangerous island sanctuary, risking everything they've built together.

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Temple sorcerer Penric and widow Nikys must rescue her mother from enemies at the Cedonian imperial court who have confined her to a dangerous island sanctuary, risking everything they've built together.

The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Licanius Trilogy • Book 1

by James Islington

In a world where god-like rulers mysteriously lost their powers, three young people discover the dangerous magic that toppled an empire—and threatens to rise again.

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In a world where god-like rulers mysteriously lost their powers, three young people discover the dangerous magic that toppled an empire—and threatens to rise again.

Zealot's Eleventh Crusade

Divine Apostasy • Book 11

by A.F. Kay

Transformed into Ruin Val'dor within the Destruction Realm, the former Ruwen Starfield must navigate noble bloodline politics while fighting for his humanity. Dark fantasy that questions the cost of power.

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Transformed into Ruin Val'dor within the Destruction Realm, the former Ruwen Starfield must navigate noble bloodline politics while fighting for his humanity. Dark fantasy that questions the cost of power.

Hell Bent

Alex Stern • Book 2

by Leigh Bardugo

Alex Stern defies Yale's Lethe Society to mount a rescue mission into hell itself, determined to save Darlington from purgatory. Bardugo's sequel dives deeper into occult academia with higher stakes and bloodier consequences.

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Alex Stern defies Yale's Lethe Society to mount a rescue mission into hell itself, determined to save Darlington from purgatory. Bardugo's sequel dives deeper into occult academia with higher stakes and bloodier consequences.

Fire

Graceling Realm • Book 2

by Kristin Cashore

Fire possesses devastating beauty and the power to control minds, making her both weapon and target in a kingdom torn by civil war. Cashore explores the burden of dangerous gifts while Fire struggles to use her abilities for good rather than destruction.

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Fire possesses devastating beauty and the power to control minds, making her both weapon and target in a kingdom torn by civil war. Cashore explores the burden of dangerous gifts while Fire struggles to use her abilities for good rather than destruction.

Heir of Twisted Lies

Stonegate • Book 2

by L.J. Andrews

After discovering the brutal truth behind her kingdom's need for melder magic, Lyra Bien vows to tear down the corrupt royal system that treats lives as expendable resources.

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After discovering the brutal truth behind her kingdom's need for melder magic, Lyra Bien vows to tear down the corrupt royal system that treats lives as expendable resources.

The Adventure of the Demonic Ox

Penric and Desdemona (Publication order) • Book 14

by Lois McMaster Bujold

Sorcerer Penric takes his student to investigate a supposedly demon-possessed ox, expecting a routine lesson in chaos elemental removal—but the situation spirals beyond textbook scenarios.

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Sorcerer Penric takes his student to investigate a supposedly demon-possessed ox, expecting a routine lesson in chaos elemental removal—but the situation spirals beyond textbook scenarios.

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

Le Cirque des Rêves materializes without announcement, a black-and-white wonderland where two magicians bound since childhood conduct their lethal competition through breathtaking illusions.

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Le Cirque des Rêves materializes without announcement, a black-and-white wonderland where two magicians bound since childhood conduct their lethal competition through breathtaking illusions.

City of Ghosts

Downside Ghosts • Book 3

by Stacia Kane

Rogue spirits terrorize the living while someone plots to open the gates to the City of Ghosts—Chess must enter the spirit realm to stop the dead from overwhelming humanity.

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Rogue spirits terrorize the living while someone plots to open the gates to the City of Ghosts—Chess must enter the spirit realm to stop the dead from overwhelming humanity.

Penric’s Demon

Penric and Desdemona (Publication order) • Book 1

by Lois McMaster Bujold

A Discovery of Witches

All Souls • Book 1

by Deborah Harkness

Academic Diana Bishop discovers a magical manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library, drawing her into a world where vampires, witches, and daemons hide among humans. Harkness mixes scholarly research with supernatural romance and ancient conspiracies.

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Academic Diana Bishop discovers a magical manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library, drawing her into a world where vampires, witches, and daemons hide among humans. Harkness mixes scholarly research with supernatural romance and ancient conspiracies.

The White Tower

The Aldoran Chronicles • Book 1

by Michael Wisehart

In a world where magic means disappearing into the White Tower forever, ancient wizard wars cast long shadows. Wisehart builds tension around forbidden power and institutional fear.

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In a world where magic means disappearing into the White Tower forever, ancient wizard wars cast long shadows. Wisehart builds tension around forbidden power and institutional fear.

Cursed Wolf

Creatures of the Otherworld • Book 1

by Brogan Thomas

Stuck in an inept wolf form since childhood, Forrest Hesketh's hope of shifting back fades as her abusive pack plans her death.

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Stuck in an inept wolf form since childhood, Forrest Hesketh's hope of shifting back fades as her abusive pack plans her death.

The Apocalypse Codex

Laundry Files • Book 4

by Charles Stross

Stross promotes Bob Howard to External Assets, where freelance agents handle the Laundry's most sensitive supernatural cases. Office politics meet Lovecraftian horror in this bureaucratic nightmare.

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Stross promotes Bob Howard to External Assets, where freelance agents handle the Laundry's most sensitive supernatural cases. Office politics meet Lovecraftian horror in this bureaucratic nightmare.

The Locust Job

Daniel Faust • Book 9

by Craig Schaefer

A magician-mobster learns he's imprisoned in the universe's original story, condemned to repeat the role of Thief forever. Schaefer explores fate versus free will through supernatural crime fiction.

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A magician-mobster learns he's imprisoned in the universe's original story, condemned to repeat the role of Thief forever. Schaefer explores fate versus free will through supernatural crime fiction.

Silence

Unbound • Book 2

by Nicoli Gonnella

Defeating the Unending Maw was just the beginning—now Felix must survive the Void while bonded to his former enemy. Gonnella explores consequences and psychological trauma in this progression fantasy sequel.

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Defeating the Unending Maw was just the beginning—now Felix must survive the Void while bonded to his former enemy. Gonnella explores consequences and psychological trauma in this progression fantasy sequel.

Sacrificial Magic

Downside Ghosts • Book 4

by Stacia Kane

Witch Chess must solve a dark magic murder for her crime boss drug dealer while boyfriend Terrible's distrust and rival Lex's advances threaten her dangerous investigation.

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Witch Chess must solve a dark magic murder for her crime boss drug dealer while boyfriend Terrible's distrust and rival Lex's advances threaten her dangerous investigation.

Uprooted

by Naomi Novik

Novik reimagines Beauty and the Beast through Slavic folklore, where Agnieszka's raw, chaotic magic clashes with her mentor's refined techniques as they battle a sentient, malevolent wood.

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Novik reimagines Beauty and the Beast through Slavic folklore, where Agnieszka's raw, chaotic magic clashes with her mentor's refined techniques as they battle a sentient, malevolent wood.

The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic: A Delightful Cozy Fantasy Story with Hints of Romance (Natural Magic Book 1)

Natural Magic • Book 1

by Ciara Blume

Eccentric heiress Maida Westabrook treasures her quiet beach walks and library evenings until murder forces her to confront magical abilities she'd rather ignore. Cozy mystery meets gentle romance in this witchy comfort read.

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Eccentric heiress Maida Westabrook treasures her quiet beach walks and library evenings until murder forces her to confront magical abilities she'd rather ignore. Cozy mystery meets gentle romance in this witchy comfort read.

The Killing Floor Blues

Daniel Faust • Book 5

by Craig Schaefer

The Iceberg prison sits deep in the Mojave with no escape—until Daniel Faust arrives, framed for murder and trapped by a deadly curse that makes survival nearly impossible.

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The Iceberg prison sits deep in the Mojave with no escape—until Daniel Faust arrives, framed for murder and trapped by a deadly curse that makes survival nearly impossible.

Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Legacy Universe • Book 1

by Jacqueline Carey

Carey creates an alternate Renaissance France where angels bred with humans and 'Love as thou wilt' guides society. Phèdre's unique gift for finding pleasure in pain drives both personal growth and political conspiracy.

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Carey creates an alternate Renaissance France where angels bred with humans and 'Love as thou wilt' guides society. Phèdre's unique gift for finding pleasure in pain drives both personal growth and political conspiracy.

The Women of Wild Hill

by Kirsten Miller

Wild Hill's witches possess gifts so dark some refuse to wield them in their fight against male dominance. Miller combines contemporary feminist rage with ancient magical power in this supernatural battle.

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Wild Hill's witches possess gifts so dark some refuse to wield them in their fight against male dominance. Miller combines contemporary feminist rage with ancient magical power in this supernatural battle.

The Red Sea

The Cycle of Galand • Book 1

by Edward W. Robertson

Sorcerer-king Dante discovers his long-lost father is dying of plague on a forbidden island, forcing a dangerous journey that tests magical and family bonds.

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Sorcerer-king Dante discovers his long-lost father is dying of plague on a forbidden island, forcing a dangerous journey that tests magical and family bonds.

Among the Burning Flowers

The Roots of Chaos #0.2 • Book 3

by Samantha Shannon, Rovina Cai

Yscalin princess Marosa watches helplessly as dragons begin awakening, setting the stage for the catastrophic events of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Shannon crafts a tense prequel showing how political weakness and family betrayal enable world-ending threats.

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Yscalin princess Marosa watches helplessly as dragons begin awakening, setting the stage for the catastrophic events of The Priory of the Orange Tree. Shannon crafts a tense prequel showing how political weakness and family betrayal enable world-ending threats.

Seed of Chaos

Eve of Destruction • Book 5

by Benjamin Medrano

After saving thousands from ritual sacrifice, Evelyn just wants peace—but gets pulled into helping a deity and meeting her great grandmother among the fey. Urban fantasy with family complications.

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After saving thousands from ritual sacrifice, Evelyn just wants peace—but gets pulled into helping a deity and meeting her great grandmother among the fey. Urban fantasy with family complications.

The Dragon in Winter

Kagen the Damned • Book 3

by Jonathan Maberry

Kagen the Damned and the Bloody Bastards wield newly discovered ancient magic against the Witch-king of Hakkia in Maberry's thunderous trilogy finale.

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Kagen the Damned and the Bloody Bastards wield newly discovered ancient magic against the Witch-king of Hakkia in Maberry's thunderous trilogy finale.

Spell or High Water

Magic 2.0 • Book 2

by Scott Meyer

Debugging magical code is complicated enough without your girlfriend relocating to Atlantis after a fight. Meyer continues his clever premise of programmers discovering reality's source code with relationship comedy.

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Debugging magical code is complicated enough without your girlfriend relocating to Atlantis after a fight. Meyer continues his clever premise of programmers discovering reality's source code with relationship comedy.