Devon Monk. Magic on the Storm
(Allie Beckstrom — 4)
Praise for the Novels of Devon Monk
“Tight, fast, and vividly drawn, Monk’s second Allie Beckstrom novel features fresh interpretations of the paranormal, strong characters dealing with their share of faults, and. . ghoulish plot twists. Fans of Patricia Briggs or Jim Butcher will want to check out this inventive new voice.”
“[A] highly creative series about magic users in a world much like our own, filled with greed and avarice. I love the character of Allie and she is just getting better and stronger as the series continues. . If you love action, magic, intrigue, good-versus-evil battles, and pure entertainment, you will not want to miss this series.”
“One heck of a ride through a magical, dangerous Portland. . imaginative, gritty, sometimes darkly humorous. . An un-put-downable book,
“This series uses a system of rules for magic that is original and seems very realistic. . The structure of the story pulled me in right away, and kept me reading. There’s action, adventure, fantasy, and even some romance.”
“Ms. Monk weaves a unique tale of dark magic that will keep readers at the edge of their seat[s].
“This second installment in the exciting new Allie Beckstrom series is just as carefully woven as the first. . It’s gonna be a tough wait for the third installment!”
“Brilliantly and tightly written. . will surprise, amuse, amaze, and absorb readers.”
“Loved it. Fiendishly original and a stay-up-all-night read. We’re going to be hearing a lot more of Devon Monk.”
“Highly original and compulsively readable. Don’t pick this one up before going to bed unless you want to be up all night!”
“Gritty setting, compelling, fully realized characters, and a frightening system of magic-with-a-price that left me awed. Devon Monk’s writing is addictive, and the only cure is more, more, more!”
“An exciting new addition to the urban fantasy genre. It’s got a truly fresh take on magic, and Allie Beckstrom is one kick-ass protagonist!”
“The prose is gritty and urban, the characters mysterious and marvelous, and Monk creates a fantastic and original magic system that intrigues and excites. A promising beginning to a new series. I’m looking forward to more!”
“Monk’s reimagined Portland is at once recognizable and exotic, suffused with her special take on magic, and her characters are vividly rendered. The plot pulled me in for a very enjoyable ride!”
Also by Devon Monk
Acknowledgments
Writing is only part of what brings a story to its final form. Without the many people who have contributed time and energy along the way, this book would not have come to fruition. Thank you to my agent, Miriam Kriss, and my editor, Anne Sowards, two consummate professionals and awesome people who make my job easy.
All my love and gratitude to my wonderful first readers, Dean Woods, Dejsha Knight, and Dianna Rodgers. Your speedy and loving support and brilliant insight make this possible. Thank you also to my family, one and all, who always offer unfailing encouragement and share in the joy. And to my husband, Russ, and sons, Kameron and Konner, who are the very best part of my life. I couldn’t do this without you.
Last, thank you, dear readers, for letting me share this story and this world with you.
Chapter One
Two months of self-defense classes, mixed martial arts, and weapons training did not make it hurt any less when I was thrown over my opponent’s shoulder and slammed into the ground.
Yes, I should have tucked and rolled. Would have too, if he hadn’t kept hold of my arm and twisted at just the right instant to knock my balance off and make me sprawl like a dead jumper waiting for my chalk outline.
“Give up?” he asked.
My right wrist still locked in his grip, I stretched out my left hand and grabbed his ankle, leveraged to pull down, and twisted. I broke his hold on my wrist and rolled up onto my feet. I got off the mat and out of arm’s reach quick.
